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Absa Jazz Sessions at Marble | For the Love of Jazz
February in Johannesburg carries a certain warmth. The city slows, ever so slightly, to honour connection to people, passions and the things that move us. It is in this spirit that the Absa Jazz Sessions return to Marble, transforming the Rosebank skyline into a backdrop for an evening where music, culture and cuisine intertwine.
While it may be tempting to describe the event as a jazz performance, the Absa Jazz Sessions at Marble are actually curated cultural experiences. These intimate gatherings bring together artists, chefs and invited guests in celebration of craft and storytelling. In partnership with the Marble Group, Absa continues to shape a series that reflects its commitment to meaningful brand experiences and moments that linger long after the final note fades.
The Artists & The Sound
At the centre of this year’s Absa Jazz Sessions at Marble experience is acclaimed pianist and composer Kyle Shepherd. Known for a sound that bridges heritage and contemporary storytelling, Shepherd’s music embodies the very essence of the theme, creating a dialogue between past and present, tradition and reinvention.
His compositions are both intimate and expansive, drawing audiences inward while honouring the rich lineage of South African jazz.
As the evening unfolds, genre-blending DJ PhiloCali takes the stage, closing the night with a soulful set designed to keep energy high and hearts warm. The pairing of live instrumentation and curated DJ artistry reflects the ever-changing nature of jazz itself, as a genre that continues to morph, absorbing new influences while staying rooted in connection.
Together, the line-up speaks to the diversity and depth of contemporary African sound. This is why live jazz in Johannesburg remains a vital, living art form.
A Culinary Experience at Marble
Marble Restaurant is a beautiful venue and an essential character in this story.
Perched above Rosebank, Marble is celebrated for its open-fire philosophy and refined yet grounded approach to dining. For the 2026 Absa Jazz Sessions, a specially curated menu has been crafted by chef, author and Marble co-founder David Higgs, alongside Executive Chef Jandri Niemand.
Inspired by the theme, the menu is layered, expressive and thoughtfully composed, mirroring the qualities of jazz itself. Each course unfolds like a movement in a composition, building warmth and depth as the evening progresses.
Here, food and music do not compete. They converse. Fire, flavour and rhythm move in sync, transforming the event into a fully immersive sensory experience.
Why Absa Invests in Cultural Experiences
The Absa Jazz Sessions are part of a broader commitment to creating meaningful Absa cultural experiences. This includes providing platforms that elevate artistry while creating spaces for shared storytelling.
At the heart of the series lies the simple belief: stories matter. Whether expressed through a piano’s keys, a chef’s flame or a conversation across the table, each moment contributes to a larger narrative. Absa’s brand philosophy, anchored in #YourStoryMatters, recognises the power of these collective experiences to inspire connection and possibility.
By investing in curated, invitation-only gatherings like Absa Jazz at Marble, Absa continues to shape brand experiences that feel personal rather than performative. They are not mass events, but rather intentional spaces designed to honour excellence, creativity and the communities that sustain them.