The Market Theatre Foundation is honoured to celebrate the musical and cultural legacy of alto saxophonist and jazz musician, Jeremiah “Kippie” Moeketsi, who would be turning 100 on 27 July 2025. Curated by award-winning writer, author and journalist, Sam Mathe, the two-fold celebration will include a book discussion in Kippies as well as a free jazz concert at The Market Theatre.
For the first activity, Sam Mathe will discuss his seminal work, ‘From Kippie to Kippies’. The title is inspired by Kippie Moeketsi’s extraordinary career, as well as the vibrant Newtown jazz club – Kippies – named after him. This path-finding publication traces the footsteps of South Africa’s jazz movement, profiling key players and developments across four generations.
‘From Kippie To Kippies’ is a timely and affirming addition to the ever-changing contemporary landscape, documenting the resilience of various artists as they rose – and continue to rise – from a history of pain and discrimination. In the process, the book casts light on South Africa’s musical creativity, which has often been condemned to the periphery.
The jazz trio of drummer Tumi Mogorosi, saxophonist Muhammad Dawjee and bassist Nhlanhla Radebe join the centenary celebration with a humble musical tribute to Kippie Moeketsi, to be held in the John Kani Theatre. With their exceptional, multi-layered musicality, the Tumi Mogorosi Trio reignite cherished memories of the Kippies Jazz Club—each note evoking rich moments of reflection about the hopes, dreams and frustrations of a pioneering music genius.
Hailed as the father of South African jazz, Kippie was born on 27 July 1925 and died on 27 April 1983, aged 58. In his times, he belonged to a generation that gifted Jo’burg nights with soul and flavour. His music genius inspired and mentored many musicians, such as Abdullah Ibrahim, Jonas Gwangwa and Hugh Masekela.
Kippie co-founded the Jazz Epistles, a band credited for revolutionising the local black jazz culture. In 1959, the Jazz Epistles released the first album by a black South African band, a significant milestone that gave Kippie and his peers iconic status.
When Jo’burg’s popular jazz club was established and needed a name, Abdullah Ibrahim named it after Kippie, in honour of his mentor and friend. For more than two decades, the Kippies stage became every jazz musician’s dream, platforming new works and promoting social cohesion. Just like The Market Theatre complex adjacent to which it’s located, Kippies became a vibrant multi-racial space as different races came together in one ‘chord’, united by the transcendent power of music.
Currently, the 50-seater intimate arthouse is now a fringe venue for The Market Theatre Foundation, still breaking bold and fresh African stories through the Kippies Fringe programming.
Curator, Mathe, expressed great excitement for the upcoming centenary celebration, emphasising the importance of its location. “Kippies is a befitting venue for this historic event; a living monument to Kippie Moeketsi’s peerless legacy. I’m glad that it will play host to such an august occasion. Shortly after publishing ‘From Kippie to Kippies’ in 2021, I thought of an event that could be used to celebrate his legacy on his 100th birth anniversary. It therefore brings me immense joy that such a long-cherished dream is finally becoming a reality.”
The Market Theatre Foundation’s Artistic Director, Greg Homann, adds that Kippie Moeketsi’s centenary celebration is a reminder of the contribution of live music in the fight against oppression. “Kippie Moeketsi and his generation gave South Africans a vocabulary of liberation through music, turning each venue into a crucible for resistance. As we mark what would have been 100 years of this music icon, we also take a moment to recommit ourselves to keeping our stages alive with bold music and culture-shifting live performances,” states Homann.
Kippie reached the highest notes in his short music career, becoming an embodiment of artistic freedom and excellence under difficult times. In honouring his indelible legacy, The Market Theatre Foundation commemorates a fearless icon who led a jazz uprising in the face of apartheid aggression.
