MUSIC FESTIVAL
Orbit Jazz Club puts Braamies' music scene on the world stage
The live jazz club is thriving in the now vibrant student suburb of Braamfontein, writes Edward Tsumele
Good times defined the mid-1990s up to the mid-2000s when contemporary jazz music ruled, venues for live jazz were dotted around almost all major cities and new jazz voices emerged to take centre stage. However, in the late 2000s, jazz clubs across the country closed down, leaving contemporary jazz musicians with no place to call home. This was mainly the result of sluggish economic growth and the Department of Health’s ban on cigarette advertising. Cigarette companies were big spenders on jazz concerts and festivals. But it appears the live jazz scene is reawakening, especially in Johannesburg. At the forefront of this music circuit is The Orbit Jazz Club, in the now vibrant student suburb of Braamfontein. Since opening in 2014, the club has hosted some of the country’s leading contemporary jazz musicians and has amassed international awards recognising its distinction as a jazz club. The Orbit is hosting an anniversary festival featuring top names. The celebrations, called the #Th...
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