Two internationally acclaimed jazz artists whose friendship and musical partnership spans two decades will reunite in Johannesburg this July for only two special intimate performances in Johannesburg.
Legendary South African saxophonist, flautist and composer McCoy Mrubata joins acclaimed American guitarist Gary Wittner for an intimate duo performance at The Imagination Room at The Factory on Grant, Norwood, on Wednesday, 9 July 2026 at 19:00. The duo’s South African winter tour continues in Johannesburg with a special performance at Die Pienk Kerk in Melville on 11 July, where they will be joined by acclaimed bassist Jimmy Mngwandi and drummer Bernice Boikanyo for an expanded ensemble experience.
Their story began in 2006 at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, where they were paired with a South African rhythm section and performed together before even exchanging words. An immediate musical connection sparked a collaboration built on a shared artistic sensibility, deep mutual respect and enduring friendship.
Since that first performance, Mrubata and Wittner have continued to collaborate across South Africa and the United States, performing in diverse formats ranging from intimate duos to larger ensembles. Their musical journey has included performances with the acclaimed South African supergroup Uhadi, featuring the late Feya Faku, Sibongile Khumalo, Paul Hanmer, Herbie Tsoaeli and Justin Badenhorst.
Their partnership has also been strengthened through their association with Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, which supported the creation of Mrubata’s acclaimed album, Lullaby for Khayoyo, featuring Wittner on guitar. The organisation has additionally supported Wittner’s recent tours to South Africa.
In 2024, the duo performed at the renowned SFJAZZ venue in San Francisco before undertaking an eight-date tour across Wittner’s home state of Maine. They continued their transatlantic collaboration in 2025 with tours across South Africa and the United States. Wittner returns to South Africa this winter for another series of performances, workshops and masterclasses alongside Mrubata.
“Gary and I come from different parts of the world, but we speak the same musical language. Every time we perform together, there is an openness and trust that allows the music to go somewhere new. These performances are not just concerts – they are conversations shaped by friendship, curiosity and a shared love of jazz,” says McCoy Mrubata.
Audiences can expect an evening of extraordinary musical conversation – a meeting of two master improvisers whose performances effortlessly bridge continents, traditions and generations.
About McCoy Mrubata
Born in Langa, Cape Town, McCoy Mrubata is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most influential jazz musicians. A saxophonist, flautist, composer and bandleader, his career spans more than four decades and includes collaborations with some of the country’s most celebrated artists.
A multiple South African Music Award winner and recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award, Mrubata has performed internationally alongside leading musicians and has appeared with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis. Through his performances, recordings and mentorship of emerging artists, he continues to shape the evolution of South African jazz.
His recent projects include the critically acclaimed Lullaby for Khayoyo and Children on the Frontline, further cementing his status as a vital voice in contemporary African jazz.
About Gary Wittner
Throughout a performance career spanning more than five decades, Gary Wittner has captivated audiences across five continents. He has represented the United States internationally as a Kennedy Center Jazz Ambassador, Fulbright Specialist and US Embassy Outreach Artist.
Wittner has performed in major jazz centres including New York, Boston, London, Warsaw, Paris, Cape Town and Johannesburg, and has released seven albums as a leader. His musical range spans modern jazz, blues, folk Americana, Latin music and Middle Eastern influences.
An internationally recognised authority on jazz icon Thelonious Monk, Wittner is the author of Thelonious Monk for Guitar, a landmark publication that continues to influence musicians worldwide.
“Playing with McCoy is one of the great joys of my musical life. From the moment we first performed together in Makhanda nearly 20 years ago, I felt an immediate connection to his artistry and spirit. Our music is rooted in listening – to each other, to the audience and to the stories that emerge in the moment,” says Gary Wittner.
In recent years, Wittner has expanded his repertoire to include original vocal compositions, blending insightful lyrics with sophisticated post-bop harmonies.
About The Imagination Room
Located within the creative hub of The Factory on Grant in Norwood, The Imagination Room is a dynamic performance and learning space founded by award-winning producer, pianist and vocalist Luyanda Madope. The venue forms part of The Factory on Grant’s vibrant arts precinct, which brings together music, food, design and creative entrepreneurship in one of Johannesburg’s most distinctive cultural destinations.
“The Imagination Room exists to create meaningful encounters between artists and audiences, and there are few collaborations that embody that spirit more fully than McCoy and Gary’s. We are honoured to host two extraordinary musicians whose partnership demonstrates the power of music to transcend borders and build lasting connections,” says Luyanda Madope.
Building on the intimate musical conversation of their duo performances, Die Pienk Kerk concert promises a vibrant celebration of collaboration, bringing together four exceptional musicians from South Africa and the United States in one of Johannesburg’s most distinctive live music venues.
Event Details
Event: McCoy Mrubata and Gary Wittner Duo
Tickets: R200
Date: Thursday 9 July 2026
Time: 19:00
Venue: The Imagination Room, The Factory on Grant, 72 Grant Avenue, corner Nellie Road, Norwood, Johannesburg
Bookings: Quicket
