THE RISE OF UNCONVENTIONAL MUSIC SPACES

Gone are the days when music was reserved for dark clubs or formal venues. Now, South Africans are embracing new, unconventional ways to connect through sound. We spoke to three pioneers about how they're building community, rethinking nightlife and the personal nature of music.

- WORDS BY SINDEKA MANDOYI

The Cape Town Jazz Train

WITH KOKO NKALASHE

What is the Jazz Train?

We are a moving jazz experience connecting fans with Cape Town venues near train lines. Patrons board from Cape Town Station, where the journey begins with hospitality and acoustic jazz, followed by a live performance at the final stop. It's an entire day of music, culture and connection.

Where did the idea come from?

The idea was born from the realisation that we live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, blessed with a rich jazz heritage — yet we're not fully utilising our train system. There's also a deep, historic link between jazz and trains. In both the United States and South Africa, many musicians travelled by rail to reach performance venues. During the era of segregation, they were often treated with more dignity by train staff than by the police. These journeys became a Hop on the Jazz Train for an experience of soulful live music, culture and connection.

part of the music itself, inspiring songs about life on the tracks from Hugh Masekela's “Stimela” to Billy Strayhorn's “Take the A Train.”

What's the vibe onboard? Is it lively and interactive, or more of a smooth, laid back listening session?

The vibe is always lively and people get to meet and talk to others from different communities they encounter for the first time. The acoustic music in the background is great accompaniment and often interactive. Some riders get to experience an instrument up close and sometimes get to touch it.

What role does the Jazz Train play in making jazz more accessible and exciting to younger or newer audiences?

This way of experiencing jazz addresses several key issues:

• It promotes the use of public transport to reach entertainment venues;