When and where: 13 Nov 2026, Johannesburg, The Market Theatre, Newtown
Classics on Turf and The Market Theatre will present a concert in honour of the late Sibongile Khumalo on 13 November 2026 at the theatre in Newtown, Johannesburg.
The tribute is part of the Market Theatre's 50th anniversary year, and the venue has a special link to the singer: she recorded her second album on its stage in 1998. The concert is supported by Telkom.
Music director Tshepo Mngoma heads a line-up of vocalists and musicians, a good number of them former collaborators of Khumalo. With conductor Kutlwano Masote, he has put together a set list that travels through the many worlds she moved in, from jazz and opera to art song and indigenous music. A key thread is the music of Princess Magogo kaDinizulu, which Khumalo helped bring into the canon on her self-titled 2007 album. Masote will also conduct the Chamber Orchestra of Johannesburg in orchestral arrangements of her repertoire.
The evening should suit jazz and classical fans alike, as well as anyone who wants to discover one of South Africa's most celebrated voices. Tickets are sold online, with a link on the Market Theatre website. Jazz lovers can also look out for saxophonist Sisonke Xonti's uKholo album launch at the same venue on 17 November.
