The Market Theatre Foundation is set to honour the extraordinary musical legacy of Jeremiah “Kippie” Moeketsi, a towering figure in South African jazz, who would be turning 100 on 27 July 2025. This celebration will take place in Newtown, a vibrant heart of the country’s cultural landscape, with an array of activities curated by the award-winning writer and journalist, Sam Mathe.
The two-fold celebration will feature a book discussion and a free jazz concert, both designed to commemorate a man whose influence echoes through generations of musicians. The first event will unfold at Kippies, the jazz club named in his honour, where Mathe will discuss his seminal work ‘From Kippie to Kippies’. This book delves into the rich tapestry of South African jazz, exploring the lives and contributions of pivotal figures across four generations, and highlights the resilience of artists in the face of adversity.
“From Kippie To Kippies” not only documents the trials and tribulations of these musicians but also celebrates their creative brilliance, often overshadowed by the historical challenges they faced, including oppression and discrimination. Mathe describes this publication as “a timely and affirming addition to the ever-changing contemporary landscape.” It unveils the depth and diversity of South Africa’s musical creativity, which has historically been relegated to the margins.
As part of the centenary tribute, the Tumi Mogorosi Trio—a jazz ensemble featuring drummer Tumi Mogorosi, saxophonist Muhammad Dawjee, and bassist Nhlanhla Radebe—will perform in the John Kani Theatre. Their musical tribute is intended to evoke cherished memories of the Kippies Jazz Club, breathing life into the hopes, dreams, and challenges that defined Kippie’s legacy as a pioneering music genius.
Kippie Moeketsi, widely regarded as the father of South African jazz, was born on 27 July 1925. His contributions to music celebrated the soulful essence of Johannesburg during a politically turbulent era. As a co-founder of the Jazz Epistles, Kippie helped revolutionise local black jazz culture, and in 1959, the group released the first album by a black South African band, solidifying his iconic status alongside greats like Abdullah Ibrahim, Jonas Gwangwa, and Hugh Masekela, whom he inspired and mentored.
The establishment of Kippies, a jazz club that became a sanctuary for musicians and a platform for artistic expression, came as a direct tribute to his influence. Named by Ibrahim, Kippies became synonymous with joyful gatherings and artistic blending, where diverse races united through the universal language of music. Today, the intimate venue continues to host performances, now serving as a fringe space for the Market Theatre Foundation, spotlighting innovative African stories through its Kippies Fringe programming.
Mathe expressed his enthusiasm for the centenary celebration, noting the significance of Kippies as the venue for honouring Moeketsi’s legacy: “I’m glad that it will play host to such an august occasion. Shortly after publishing ‘From Kippie to Kippies’ in 2021, I envisioned an event to celebrate his legacy on his 100th birth anniversary, and it brings me immense joy that such a long-cherished dream is finally becoming a reality.”
Greg Homann, Artistic Director of the Market Theatre Foundation, highlighted the enduring impact of Kippie’s music as a catalyst for social change: “Kippie Moeketsi and his generation gave South Africans a vocabulary of liberation through music, turning each venue into a crucible for resistance.” This centenary marks not only a celebration of Kippie Moeketsi’s contributions but also a recommitment to the power of live music to provoke and inspire.
As the Market Theatre Foundation prepares to celebrate the legacy of Kippie Moeketsi, this tribute will stand as a memory of a fearless icon, an architect of jazz who flourished amidst the tumult of apartheid aggression, and an everlasting reminder of the cultural resilience found within South African music.
Picture: Supplied by Market Theatre
