Top Joburg weekend picks: ConHill dining and live music in the city

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Whether you are exploring the debut of the Melville Art Mile, catching Kabza De Small in Soweto, or dining at Food I Love You at ConHill, Jozi’s vibrant energy is officially restored.

Joséphine & Bantu — A Double Bill of Memory, Resistance and Becoming Human

An extraordinary double bill bringing together two seminal voices of African and diasporic contemporary dance: Germaine Acogny’s Joséphine and Gregory Maqoma’s new creation Bantu. This programme stages a powerful encounter between legacy and futurity, memory and resistance. A ceremony of memory, defiance and return, offered through two towering figures of contemporary dance.

Dates: 30 January, 19:30 - 31 January, 16:30

Address: UJ Arts Centre, University Of Johannesburg, Cr of Kingsway Ave and University Rd, Auckland Park

Tickets: R100, Quicket

Newtown Jazz and Heritage Festival

Rooted in the legacy of Niki’s Oasis, day one features Ncesh Nonxishi, Lex Futshane and Sydney Mnisi Quartet; and Nduduzo Makhathini.

Day two presents Yonela Mnana – Echoes of Marabi, Andile Yenana, Steve Dyer and Ngwako Manamela.

Dates: 30 January and 31 January, 17:00

Address: Museum Africa and Newtown Precinct, 121 Lillian Ngoyi St, Newtown

Tickets: R50-R500, Webtickets

Abracadabra

Abracadabra, the iconic movement of BLOND:ISH where music, energy, and purpose unite, is coming to Johannesburg. Step into her world of uplifting electronic sounds - an expertly curated mix that transcends genres while bursting with life. On decks: BLOND:ISH, Nico de Andrea, Themba, FKA Mash, Abby Nurock.

Dates: 30 January, 16:00-2:00

Address:Old Park Station, 140 Carr Street, Newtown

Tickets: From R550, Howler

Thandi Ntuli Special Performance

Pianist, composer, and singer Thandi Ntuli will be expanding her sonic palette to incorporate synthesizers and experimental sounds into an immersive live set: Ntuli’s fluid, poetic approach unfolds across her discography. Expect enchanting arrangements, poetic vocals and an unforgettable evening.

Dates: 30 January, 20:00

Address: Untitled Basement, 7 Reserve Street, Braamfontein

Tickets: R350 on Quicket, and R400 at the door

The Rise and Fall of the African Gospel: Nongqawuse

Created by Mbongeni Moroke this musical play brings to life the historical events of 1856/7 that shaped South Africa's social dimensions. It’s a story of spirituality, religion, tradition, culture, and the demise of a way of life of African people. The play features two well-known spiritual and religious figures: Nongqawuse, a young maiden seer/prophetess who history points to as the person behind the mass cattle killing that occurred in 1856/7 in the Xhosa landscape; and Tiyo Soga, the first black priest to be ordained into the ministry of the Presbyterian Church.

Dates: 30-31 January, shows at 10:00, 12:30, 15:00 and 18:00

Address: Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein

Tickets: R200, Webtickets

Food in Bloom, Studio Series, Food I Love You

This Studio Visit takes us into the kitchen and creative world of Mpho Phalane, founder of Food I Love You. This intimate midday gathering invites you into Mpho’s practice — where food becomes storytelling, memory, care, and cultural expression. They will also have a flower market where you can pick up fresh blooms.

Dates: 31 January, 11:00 - 14:00

Address: Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze Street, Braamfontein

Tickets: R350, Quicket

A Modernist Masterpiece in Miniature Tour

Edoardo Villa was a celebrated Italian-South African sculptor who largely worked in steel and bronze. As he continued to hone his craft, Villa fell in love with Johannesburg’s vibrant, industrialised spirit and chose the city as his permanent home. In the 1960s, with his career flourishing, he collaborated with architect Ian McLellan to create a remarkable modernist house in Kew where he lived until his death in 2011 at the age of 95. Only 30 tickets are available.

Dates: 31 January,10:00

Address: House Edoardo Villa, 73 4th Rd, Kew

Tickets: R180, Quicket

Wandering Minstrels: Indian Classical Music and Dance

Join renowned kathak dancer Manesh Maharaj and vocalist Kerolin Govender in Wandering Minstrels, a mesmerising journey through the history and beauty of Indian Classical music and dance. From the devotional rhythms of temple courtyards to the grandeur of palace courts, this performance traces the evolution of these timeless art forms, bringing them vibrantly to life on the modern stage.

Dates: 31 January,19:30

Address: Villa Arcadia, 22 Oxford Rd, Parktown

Tickets: R220, Quicket

Coming Of Age

Coming of Age by Kitchen Mess is an annual celebration that honours the journey and impact of the musician and DJ. Now in its eighth year, the event has evolved into a cultural moment that champions diverse talent and brings Soweto’s creative community together through music, collaboration, and expression. House, Hip Hop and Amapiano DJs: Kabza de Small, Oscar Mbo , Lulo Café, Speedsta, Kyotic, Skywalker, China, Zulumafia and rapper Emtee and Amapiano act Njelic live.

Tickets: 31 January, 12:00

Address: Chiawelo Community Hall (Basketball Court), Tsianda Street, Chiawelo, Soweto

Tickets: R150 - R250, Webtickets

Sunset Sundays

Sunset Sundays is back for another season of magnificent views, delicious food, amazing music and beautiful people. The soundtrack is provided by Avi Subban, Cultured Jay, John S Ross and Shane-Ohh

Dates: 1 February 14:00-22:00

Address: Katy’s Palace, 6 Desmond St, Kramerville

Tickets: R150 at the door, or Howler

Melville Art Mile - Grand opening

Dates: 5 February 16:00-21:00

Address: Bamboo Lifestyle Centre, 53 Rustenburg Rd, Melville,

Tickets: Free walk-ins, tours from R120, Webtickets

Joburg ‘Person of the day’

Hugh Fraser is a tour guide, architect, chef, raconteur and has a confirmed diagnosis of dromomania, the uncontrollable urge to walk or wander associated with frequent travelling or wanderlust. He’s visited more than a hundred countries around the world.

Recently Fraser was appointed as the Chief Marketing Officer at the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA). As an architect he is recognised for his innovative, sustainable, and climate-responsive designs, often utilising raw concrete, steel, and glass.

And amidst his global adventures, he remains rooted in his hometown, Jozi, where he delights in sharing the city’s history and stories with visitors as a tour guide for his tour company, 58 Seconds.

Friyay Guest Essay — Laurice Taitz-Buntman

A field of dreams — and the quiet making of Johannesburg as ‘education town’

Chilling in Saunders Pool in Cape Town in December, Joburg In Your Pocket publisher Laurice Taitz-Buntman hit laughter and ribbing. when she chit-chatted and told people she ran a guide to Joburg. That made her think. This is a must read as she writes:

“Many people will never visit Johannesburg’s inner city. For them, the viral clips will continue to stand in for reality. But if you choose to look again – if you walk this precinct, feel the paving underfoot, hear the water, see students moving between buildings, glimpse a soccer game in progress – another city comes into focus.”

My go-to spot

Modena Italian Eatery | 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Randburg, 2120

…Parkhurst’s little Italian dream!

Picture of the day

“A joyful Nia dance class led by Susan Sloan.”

Studio Kairos