Jazz Joint to revive jazz

Jazz Café, now known as Jazz Joint has been in existence for the past nine years. As of July the new owners Abdul Mogale and Khotso Mofolo took over with a vision to bring jazz back to Alexandra.

The duo is still in a build-up phase, and the reason for taking over is about fun for the residents of Alexandra.

The joint is by no means a club or a shebeen, but jazz joint as the name says. It is a place where mature people can relax, have a good time or even have an afternoon meeting. Mogale said one of the reasons for owning the joint is to “re-launch jazz back in Alex”. It is the only jazz joint in Alexandra, and added with a bit of soul music, it creates a classic ambiance. Mogale said Alexandra was the home of jazz, with legends such as Hugh Masekela, Mahlathini and Ntemi Piliso being former residents.

Mogale also emphasised that the joint is not about age but maturity. “We are not competing but bringing product differentiation,” he said. With the absence of a place like Jazz Joint, people are forced to go outside of Alexandra to have a good time.

Mofolo was grateful that Mogale would go into business with him, considering that he is a former convict. He said he would like to give back to the community. “I am now a better person and can raise my voice, people from behind bars can also learn and change,” he said.

Jazz Joint has some events that are still in the pipeline. For now people can enjoy their Mala Mogodu Monday as well as ladies night on Thursdays where prizes can be won.