Kids Love Jazz at NAF 2026: Makhanda Shows & Eastern Cape Tour Dates Announced
Kids Love Jazz at NAF 2026: Makhanda Shows & Eastern Cape Tour Dates Announced
The Kids Love Jazz Tour 2026 is bringing its vibrant, youth-driven jazz experience to the Eastern Cape with a packed schedule of performances. From the high-energy club shows in Kugompo City and Gqeberha to a four-show run at the National Arts Festival (NAF) in Makhanda, the movement is making its mark on the province this June and July.
Eastern Cape Tour Dates
| Date | City | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 June 2026 | Kugompo City | House 87 | 2pm – 11pm |
| 28 June 2026 | Gqeberha (PE) | The Gallery on Produce | 2pm – 10pm |
| 30 June 2026 | Makhanda | Beethoven Room (NAF) | 6:30pm – 7:30pm |
| 1 July 2026 | Makhanda | Beethoven Room (NAF) | 8:30pm – 9:30pm |
| 2 July 2026 | Makhanda | The Black Power Station | TBC |
| 3 July 2026 | Makhanda | Beethoven Room (NAF) | 8:30pm – 9:30pm |
Kugompo City – House 87 (27 June)
The Eastern Cape leg kicks off at House 87 in Kugompo City on Saturday, 27 June 2026, from 2pm to 11pm. This intimate venue will host a full day of modern jazz, African rhythms, R&B, and hip-hop, blending the sounds of emerging talents with established artists.
Gqeberha – The Gallery on Produce (28 June)
The tour moves to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on Sunday, 28 June 2026, at The Gallery on Produce from 2pm to 10pm. This venue offers a unique space for the Kids Love Jazz experience, which combines great music with food, fashion, and art pop-ups.
National Arts Festival – Makhanda (30 June – 3 July)
Following the club shows, Kids Love Jazz makes its highly anticipated debut at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda.
Festival Schedule
- Tuesday, 30 June 2026 – Beethoven Room – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
- Wednesday, 1 July 2026 – Beethoven Room – 8:30pm to 9:30pm
- Thursday, 2 July 2026 – The Black Power Station – time to be confirmed
- Friday, 3 July 2026 – Beethoven Room – 8:30pm to 9:30pm
This festival appearance is a significant milestone for the movement. In a year when the National Youth Jazz Festival (NYJF) has paused its programming to restructure, Kids Love Jazz steps in to represent the future of the genre, filling the gap with its fresh, accessible approach.
“We are looking forward to introducing our perspective to a festival audience and hopefully showing that jazz has a vibrant future alongside its celebrated past.”
— Kwanda Tangweni (Vuyo McGlad), Founder, Kids Love Jazz
About Kids Love Jazz
Founded by Kwanda Tangweni (Vuyo McGlad) of NarowBi, along with co-founders Banele Mhlanga and Vuyo Matiti, Kids Love Jazz is a movement dedicated to making jazz accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
The initiative challenges the perception that jazz is “for old, sophisticated and academic people” by placing it directly “in the hands of young people.” Its events blend modern jazz with African rhythms, R&B, and hip-hop, creating a fresh and youthful experience.
Beyond the music, KLJ creates spaces for good food, fashion, art pop-ups, and community connection.
Ticket Information
Tickets for all shows are available online via https://fixr.co/event/kids-love-jazz-gaborone-tickets-918728414?region=za&lang=en-US the official Kids Love Jazz Instagram page (@kidslovejazz) and ticketing partners. Early booking is recommended as venues are intimate and shows are expected to sell out.
Plan Your Visit
- Kugompo City & Gqeberha: Check venue-specific parking. Use ride-hailing services where available.
- National Arts Festival (Makhanda): The festival runs from 25 June – 5 July 2026. Plan your accommodation and travel well in advance.
- Bring the family: This is a family-friendly event designed for all ages.
Key Takeaways
- Kids Love Jazz Tour hits the Eastern Cape in June/July 2026
- Kugompo City: 27 June – House 87 (2pm–11pm)
- Gqeberha: 28 June – The Gallery on Produce (2pm–10pm)
- National Arts Festival: 4 shows in Makhanda (30 June – 3 July)
- Founded by: Vuyo McGlad (Kwanda Tangweni)
- Genres: Modern jazz, African rhythms, R&B, hip-hop
- Tickets: Available online
Kids Love Jazz Tour 2026 – Eastern Cape dates: Kugompo City (27 June), Gqeberha (28 June), and Makhanda National Arts Festival (30 June – 3 July). Don’t miss the movement.
#KidsLoveJazz #KidsLoveJazzTour #EasternCape #Gqeberha #KugompoCity #NationalArtsFestival #Makhanda #NAF2026 #LiveJazzSA #VuyoMcGlad
