Abdullah Ibrahim

In celebration of Mandela Day, here is an essential list of the best Madiba-inspired musical moments. Spend your 67 minutes doing something to honour the man and his life with this soundtrack of great local and international artists paying tribute to South Africa’s greatest citizen.

Jazz has always been the sound of freedom. Musically, it refuses to follow a form, rather growing organically with the musician. Politically, it has been the music of choice of resistance and rebellion, from its early days in the US's Deep South to South Africa during apartheid.

The best of South African jazz was on stage at the Vortex Jazz Club in the UK over the weekend as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, one of the world’s premier jazz events. The festival is part of the SA-UK Seasons 2014-2015, a cultural exchange programme showcasing South African artists in Britain.

The best of South African jazz was on stage at the Vortex Jazz Club in the UK over the weekend as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, one of the world’s premier jazz events. The festival is part of the SA-UK Seasons 2014-2015, a cultural exchange programme showcasing South African artists in Britain.

There is no society that has as much wealth, culturally and musically, as South Africa, says Hugh Masekela. That incredible richness and extraordinary diversity is explored and honoured in Ubuntu: Music and Arts of South Africa, a month-long arts and culture festival hosted by New York City's landmark Carnegie Hall.

Chris van Wyk will be missed by many: by his friends and neighbours where he grew to manhood, by the many schoolchildren enchanted by his tales, and by South Africa, for this man of many words opened our eyes to the experiences of our neighbours, and in so doing wrote all of our stories.

Cape jazz captures the story of the Mother City with its fusion of "Cape Coons" carnival music and rhythms from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Now, tour operator Andulela Experience offers a jazz safari that allows visitors to explore this unique sound through interactive tours across the city.

Cape jazz captures the story of the Mother City with its fusion of "Cape Coons" carnival music and rhythms from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Now, tour operator Andulela Experience offers a jazz safari that allows visitors to explore this unique sound through interactive tours across the city.