Cape Town audiences are set to experience a rare and intimate musical encounter this July as acclaimed South African saxophonist McCoy Mrubata (pictured left) and celebrated American guitarist Gary Wittner (pictured below) reunite for Legacy in Every Note, a special five-concert Cape Town mini-tour celebrating more than twenty years of artistic collaboration and friendship.
Presented by Likwezi Arts, the tour will run from 1 to 5 July 2026, bringing these internationally respected musicians into some of Cape Town’s most intimate performance spaces.
Mrubata, one of South Africa’s most revered jazz figures and a recipient of numerous national honours, has spent decades shaping the country’s musical landscape. Wittner, a distinguished guitarist, composer and educator from New York, has shared a deep creative partnership with Mrubata that has crossed continents and generations.
Together, they have developed a musical language rooted in trust, improvisation, storytelling and mutual respect. Their performances are known for their spontaneity, emotional depth and extraordinary musical dialogue.
A celebration of friendship
Joining the tour is acclaimed bassist Sibusiso Matsimela, one of South Africa’s most sought-after jazz musicians. Known for his warm tone, lyrical playing and exceptional versatility, Matsimela has performed and recorded with many of the country’s leading jazz artists and has earned a reputation as a sensitive accompanist and compelling bandleader in his own right.
Completing the rhythm section is Joshua Klein, a talented young South African drummer who is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most exciting emerging voices on the Cape jazz scene. Through both his dynamic performances and leadership of his own ensemble, Klein is making an impressive contribution to the growth and evolution of jazz in the Western Cape, earning recognition for his creativity, musical maturity and deep commitment to the art form.
“Legacy in Every Note is about more than a series of concerts,” says Likwezi Arts founder Luvuyo Kakaza. “It is a celebration of friendship, cultural exchange and the enduring power of jazz to connect people across borders. Audiences will witness master musicians communicating through music with a level of intimacy that is rarely experienced in larger concert settings.”
Together, this exceptional quartet represents a meeting of generations, cultures and musical traditions, creating performances that promise rich improvisation, compelling storytelling and moments of genuine musical magic.
McCoy Mrubata and Gary Wittner Legacy in Every Note tour dates:
Wednesday, 1 July 2026 – 8pm
The Athletic Club & Social, Cape Town
Book here
Thursday, 2 July 2026 – 7.30pm
Café Roux, Noordhoek
Book here
Friday, 3 July 2026 – 8pm
The Commons, Muizenberg
Book here
Saturday, 4 July 2026 – 8pm
Castle Room, Sun Square
Book here
Sunday, 5 July 2026 – 3pm
Guga S’thebe, Langa
Featuring Hlubi Kwebulana
Book here
WS
