Absa Jazz Sessions at Marble: On a Festive Note with Herbie Tsoaeli

Jazz, and all the magic it brings, takes centre stage on 2 November 2025, at the upcoming Absa Jazz Sessions at Marble. Set against the stunning backdrop of the award-winning Marble restaurant, one of Africa’s premier gastronomy destinations, this by-invite-only event promises an unforgettable evening of live jazz in the heart of Johannesburg.
Herbie Tsoaeli, highly regarded bassist, composer and guardian of South African jazz music, takes the stage, bringing his artistry within intimate reach of Absa’s hand-selected guests and their partners. With decades of experience collaborating with icons across the globe and numerous accolades to his name, Herbie blends traditional and contemporary jazz, creating soul-lifting music that celebrates South Africa’s unique jazz culture.
Under the theme “On a Festive Note”, the event will pay homage to the joy and unique spirit that define Mzansi and its world-renowned festive seasons. The evening will celebrate local jazz, showcasing the talent and stories that make South Africa’s music scene extraordinary, and highlight why Absa and Marble Group’s jazz sessions have been a standout in Johannesburg’s cultural scene since their debut earlier this year.
A refined evening of sight, sound, and taste is on the cards, with a special festive menu from Chef David Higgs, Marble co-founder and author, and Chef Jandri Niemand, paired with exceptional Pinotage and Champagne, complementing the live jazz experience.
Absa has a long-standing commitment to nurturing South African talent and preserving our cultural heritage. Through initiatives like Absa Jazz Sessions at Marble, we are honoured to play our part in keeping the nation’s jazz legacy – and the works of its esteemed storytellers – alive. We are proud to continue to provide opportunities for creatives to share their work through sponsorship of other festivals and cultural events that celebrate African creativity, including the Absa Red Fest and competitions such as Absa L’Atelier.
Here’s to delectable cuisine, world-class jazz, meaningful connections and an abundance of soul, at Sandton’s most sophisticated night of jazz.
About Herbie Tsoaeli
Tsoaeli, one of South Africa’s foremost jazz artists, began his professional music career in 1986 with the Afro-fusion group Peto. He was involved in the cross-cultural project Mahube in the mid-nineties, toured with Zim Ngqawana in the United States and Europe and has performed with international artists including Eric Clapton. He is a member of the acclaimed jazz ensemble The Voice, which aims to preserve South Africa's jazz heritage.
His work has earned him accolades, including a South African Music Award (SAMA) in 2013 for Best Jazz album and a SAMA nomination in 2022 for ”At this Point in Time: Voices are in Volumes.” He has headlined major festivals such as the Cape Town Jazz Festival, the Berlin Jazz Festival and the Jazz and Classical Encounters Festival.