UKZN Lunch-Hour Concerts: Music, Howard College Campus/Francis Stock Building, Durban (2026)

Lunch hour concerts take place at Howard College Theatre at 12:15 - 13:00 Mondays, unless otherwise stated. ALL CONCERTS ARE FREE

All details subject to change

For more information about concerts presented by the UKZN School of Music contact the Concert Organiser on 031-260 3353

17/09/2026

'Sound and Strategy’

This workshop is designed to bridge that gap — equipping creative professionals with the entrepreneurial mindset, financial literacy, and modern business tools they need to build lasting, profitable careers in the creative industries.' Thursday 17 September at 12:20pm at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music – everyone is welcome.

15/09/2026

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents Mbuso Nxumalo’s Gospel Jazz album listening session on Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 17:30.

Before the album reaches the world, experience the music first. Nxumalo takes centre stage for an exclusive Gospel Jazz Album Listening Session, offering audiences an
early introduction to his highly personal upcoming album project, planned for release in 2027.

Rooted in Gospel and shaped by Jazz, African musical traditions, contemporary influences, and Mbuso’s own experiences as a musician and educator. The album explores a sound that is both deeply personal and culturally connected. At the heart of the project are original compositions, accompanied by his own creative arrangements and reinterpretations of songs that have inspired him throughout his musical journey.

The listening session will give audiences a rare opportunity to hear these works before the official album release and to discover the ideas, memories, influences, and musical decisions behind them. The audience will be taken through selected pieces from the album, introducing the music and sharing the stories behind its creation. The experience will move between guided listening, live musical moments, conversation, and reflection. A first listen to selected original Gospel Jazz compositions by Mbuso Nxumalo.

Event Details
Mbuso Nxumalo – Gospel Jazz Album listening session an album in the making. A story in music. A sound shaped by inspiration.
Date: Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Doors open: 17:00
Music starts: 17:30
Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus, UKZN
General Admission: R130
Pensioners: R100
Students: R70
Cash at the door.

14/09/2026

Join us for a free workshop on the Music of the Beatles by Tim Guenther from Bremen, Germany " 'An exploration of the timeless songs by the Fab Four". Tim is a highly skilled musician. He is primarily an organist and choir conductor, however, he is musically versatile, and therefore comfortable in other genres as well. He is knowledgeable about organ music, and therefore performs a wide range of repertoire in his performances. Tuesday 15 September at 13:15.

11/09/2026

UKZN Celebrates 21 Years of the African Cultural Calabash as part of the AMD@30 Celebrations

Durban, South Africa – The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) School of Arts, Music, African Music Project, will present the 21st African Cultural Calabash Festival on 15 October 2026 at 19:30 at the Howard College Theatre under the theme, "21 Years of Togetherness – Emsamu Wabomdabu."

The annual festival celebrates African music, culture, heritage, and cuisine while providing a platform for emerging artists and cultural practitioners. Organised by third-year students in the African Music Outreach: Community Development programme under the supervision of Dr Patricia Opondo, the event continues to promote cultural preservation and community engagement through the arts.

This year's programme features a diverse line-up, including:
• uNgena (Mdumiseni Thwala), known for hits such as Emagqumeni, Uvalo and Emabaleni;
• Nomakhosi (Sbahle Dladla), a vocalist and UKZN AMD student, celebrated for her storytelling and traditional influences;
• Somnyamakazi, the emerging Afropop artist behind the anti-GBV single Isililo;
• Umlazi Tremendous Boys, a 28-member isicathamiya ensemble; and
• Amashiya Kubuswa, a 40-member UKZN group dedicated to preserving ushameni dance traditions.
Guests will also enjoy the popular African Cuisine Function following the concert, featuring a variety of traditional African dishes.

Event Details
Date: 15 October 2026
Time: 19:30
Venue: Howard College Theatre, UKZN Howard College Campus
Tickets: Adults R100 | Students R60
Ticket Enquiries
Nosipho Zuma: 073 786 6591
Philangezi Bhengu: 081 001 2498
Media Enquiries
Ms Thulile Zama: 031 260 3385
Dr Patricia Opondo: [email protected]

08/09/2026

UKZN’s 2026 Instrumental Showcase Brings the Stage to Life
Get ready for an evening of extraordinary musicianship as the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music presents the 2026 Instrumental Showcase, featuring talented students from the UKZN School of Arts Music Programme.
Taking place on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, this exciting showcase will spotlight the creativity, versatility and musical energy of some of UKZN’s emerging instrumentalists. Audiences can expect an engaging evening of live music as the next generation of performers takes centre stage.
Among the featured musicians are Phethokuhle Shozi on piano and keys, Zolile Mgqatsa on bass, Jude Miller on saxophone and trumpeter Phakamile Mtshali, alongside many more talented student musicians.
The showcase promises to be a celebration of instrumental performance and the vibrant musical talent emerging from UKZN. Expect tunes from composers such as Bheki Mseleku,Freddie Hubbard and Andile Yenana.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Doors open: 17:00
Music starts: 17:30
Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus, UKZN
General Admission: R130
Pensioners: R100
Students: R70
Cash at the door or Webtickets
Feel the Rhythm: UKZN’s 2026 Instrumental Showcase Brings the Stage to Life
Get ready for an evening of extraordinary musicianship as the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music presents the 2026 Instrumental Showcase, featuring talented students from the UKZN School of Arts Music Programme.
Taking place on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, this exciting showcase will spotlight the creativity, versatility and musical energy of some of UKZN’s emerging instrumentalists. Audiences can expect an engaging evening of live music as the next generation of performers takes centre stage.
Among the featured musicians are Phethokuhle Shozi on piano and keys, Zolile Mgqatsa on bass, Jude Miller on saxophone and trumpeter Phakamile Mtshali, alongside many more talented student musicians.
The showcase promises to be a celebration of instrumental performance and the vibrant musical talent emerging from UKZN. Expect tunes from composers such as Bheki Mseleku,Freddie Hubbard and Andile Yenana.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Doors open: 17:00
Music starts: 17:30
Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus, UKZN
General Admission: R130
Pensioners: R100
Students: R70
Cash at the door or Webtickets https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1602600445
Whether you are a passionate jazz enthusiast, a supporter of young musicians, a UKZN community member or simply looking for an inspiring night of live music, the 2026 Instrumental Showcase is an event not to be missed.
Whether you are a passionate jazz enthusiast, a supporter of young musicians, a UKZN community member or simply looking for an inspiring night of live music, the 2026 Instrumental Showcase is an event not to be missed.

04/09/2026

Feel the Rhythm: UKZN’s 2026 Instrumental Showcase Brings the Stage to Life
Get ready for an evening of extraordinary musicianship as the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music presents the 2026 Instrumental Showcase, featuring talented students from the UKZN School of Arts Music Programme.
Taking place on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, this exciting showcase will spotlight the creativity, versatility and musical energy of some of UKZN’s emerging instrumentalists. Audiences can expect an engaging evening of live music as the next generation of performers takes centre stage.
Among the featured musicians are Phethokuhle Shozi on piano and keys, Zolile Mgqatsa on bass, Jude Miller on saxophone and trumpeter Phakamile Mtshali, alongside many more talented student musicians.
The showcase promises to be a celebration of instrumental performance and the vibrant musical talent emerging from UKZN. Expect tunes from composers such as Bheki Mseleku,Freddie Hubbard and Andile Yenana.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Doors open: 17:00
Music starts: 17:30
Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus, UKZN
General Admission: R130
Pensioners: R100
Students: R70
Cash at the door.
Whether you are a passionate jazz enthusiast, a supporter of young musicians, a UKZN community member or simply looking for an inspiring night of live music, the 2026 Instrumental Showcase is an event not to be missed.

Address

Howard College Campus/Francis Stock Building
Durban
4041

Telephone

+27312603353

Website

http://music.ukzn.ac.za/

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