Musician Hilton Schilder. (Photo: Myles Lentin) (This article first appeared as a Johannesburg newsletter. Subscribe here.)
Albie Sachs: Fathers, Sons and Soft Vengeance
Date: 5 – 24 May 19:30
Address: Theatre On The Square, West Street, Sandton
Tickets: R200 –R220 on Webtickets
Albie Sachs is a man who chose forgiveness over revenge — and helped shape the moral foundation of a nation. This piece by Gail Louw brings his story to the stage in a moving and deeply personal way, exploring the relationships, experiences and ideals that defined his life. Graham Hopkins, under the direction of Fiona Ramsay, both widely regarded in the theatre industry, moves between scenes of activism, exile, and fatherhood later in life.
Kyle Shepherd at Sankayi at Sankayi
Date: 8 May doors open for dinner 18:00, music starts at 20:00
Address: Green Park, Lower Road corner, W Rd S, Morningside
Tickets: R350 on Quicket
African lounge Sankayi has added jazz to its offering. The Sankayi Jazz Series brings some of South Africa’s leading jazz artists to an intimate, listening-focused setting. One of South Africa’s most distinctive jazz pianists and composers, Kyle Shepherd brings a deeply rooted yet contemporary voice to the music. Drawing on Cape jazz, African traditions, and modern improvisation, his performances are both expressive and immersive.
Strictly Soul
Date: 8 May, 19:00 - 00:00
Address: Katy’s Palace, 6 Desmond Road, Kramerville
Ticket: R250 on Quicket
Africa’s biggest R&B party is in Joburg this week in its new, larger home. The place for you if you enjoy sing-along R&B hits through the ages. Hosted by resident DJ Akio and also featuring Bear The DJ, MavThatGuy and Kaymoworld.
Wits Standard Bank Piano Festival
Date: 8 – 10 May
Address: Chris Seabrooke Music Hall, Cnr Station and Jorissen Streets, Wits
Tickets: R300 on Webtickets
This festival presents eight leading pianists celebrating South Africa’s rich jazz and classical piano traditions.
Day 1: Thembi Dunjana and Thandi Ntuli 19:00
Day 2: Yonela Mnana and Bokani Dyer 15:00; Hilton Schilder and Andile Yenana 19:00
Day 3: Megan Geoffrey Prins and Taissa Poliakova 15:00
If These Walls Could Talk, They’d Probably Still Ignore Me
Date: Opening Date: 8 May 18:00 – 22:00
Address: Exhibition Run: 8 May - 17 July 09:00 – 18:00
Goethe-Institut, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood
A celebration of the street's enduring voice, tracing its lineage from ancient markings to the vibrant, contested walls of contemporary Johannesburg. This is a series of live events featuring legendary members of the pioneering graffiti collective TK (Transit Killers/Time Keepers). In these one to two-hour sessions, they will sketch live while discussing the history, politics, and evolution of street art as seen on Johannesburg's walls. While the guest and host sketch, their sketching will be projected live in real time for the audience to see while listening and asking questions.
gender/genre
Date: Opening 9 May 10:00 – 13:00
Address: Nine Yards, Yard 7, 167 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown North
kumalo | turpin is a new contemporary art space dedicated to exhibiting the next generation of leading artists. Founded by Zanele Kumalo and M J Turpin, the art space was born from a shared commitment to equity, experimentation, and socially-engaged practice. The gallery presents a programme designed to amplify previously-excluded voices in today’s society. Their first exhibition gender/genre brings together a bold and diverse range of women artists who are reshaping the visual and conceptual language of contemporary South African art.
Now Now Festival
Date: 9 May 12:30 – 20:30
Address: Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia
Tickets: R795 on Webtickets
A live music experience celebrating the iconic sounds, style, and spirit of classic hits, headlined by The Human League, with special guests Blancmange. Arno Carstens and Prime Circle are also billed alongside DJ Shawny B.
The Magical Marble Family Fest
Date: 10 May 11:00 – 21:00
Address: James & Ethel Gray Park, Edgewood Avenue &, Melrose St, Melrose
Tickets: From R400 - R2,000 on Howler
Saturdays are sold out, so get there for Sunday. By the team behind the Luxurious Marble Circus, The Magical Marble Family Fest promises a full-scale world of wonder designed for all ages. Think 40,000 square metres of festival grounds, 35+ spectacular spaces, 22+ adventurous activities, 11+ curious characters, and two stages built for families to spend the whole day exploring, playing, eating and dancing to performances by Jeremy Loops, GoodLuck, Mi Casa, DJ Fresh, Sun-El Musician, DJ Zinhle and more.
MOM - A concert celebrating mothers
Date: 10 May 10:00 – 17:00
Address: Nirox Sculpture Park, R540 Kromdraai Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp
Tickets: R750 on Howler
Children aged 12 and under R80
Infants aged 2 and under, free.
With Lira, Steve Dyer, Aus’ Tebza and Shotgun Tori on stage at the amphitheatre, expect a day of art, music, wine, gourmet food and good living as well as the Play Africa area for children.
Mothers Day Concert at Joburg Zoo
Date: 10 May 09:00 -16:00
Address: Johannesburg Zoo, Cnr Jan Smuts Ave and Upper Park Drive, Parkview Tickets: R19 - R150 on Webtickets
The Joburg Zoo will transform into a full-day outdoor experience, bringing together live music and family-friendly activities. Enjoy performances from Ami Faku, The Soil, Matthew Mole and the Phoenix Orchestra conducted by Richard Cock, while taking in the relaxed atmosphere of the zoo.
Sunset Music Series: Jeremy Loops & Apple Gule
Date: 10 May 13:00 - 17:00
Address: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Malcolm Road, Poortview
Tickets: R195 on Webtickets
Pop, folk and electronic music combine as the Sunset Music Series returns for 2026. Set against the backdrop of the garden’s lush landscape, the afternoon promises uplifting melodies, vibrant rhythms and a perfect soundtrack beneath the African sky.
THE WEEKEND ESSAY — J Brooks Spector
/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2226542439_737545_722671.jpg "World Map, 1587. 'Orbis terrae compendiosa descriptio'. Divided into Western and Eastern Hemispheres, the map speculates on the position and coastline of a vast, then undiscovered southern continent. Creator: Gerardus Mercator. (Photo by Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images)<br>")
The African Union wants to ditch the Mercator map which makes our continent appear as much smaller than it is. Brooks Spector took a deep and historic look at cartography and mapping.
Joburg ‘Person of the day’
/file/attachments/2991/Lassie1_233128.jpg "(Photo and text: Bridget Hilton-Barber)")
Stilt walker, bringer of joy and founder of Uncle Lassie Mobile, Vuyo “Lassie” Ndalela was the star of Jozi My Jozi’s Main Street Sundays earlier this year. Also known as Lasman da Stuntman, Ndalela has more than 20 years of experience in stilt walking and children’s entertainment as well as a decade of experience in early childhood development education. At the heart of Uncle Lassie Mobile is the belief that creativity and imagination can empower young minds. Ndalela brings delight to every event. The programmes are designed to stimulate both sides of the brain, enhance communication skills and promote motor coordination through playful learning – and Ndalela’s services include balloon modelling, clowning and crowd engagement.
(This article first appeared as a Johannesburg newsletter. Subscribe here.)