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McCoy Mrubata and Gary Wittner performing together during their Johannesburg jazz tour.

McCoy Mrubata and Gary Wittner bring their two-decade musical partnership to Johannesburg for two special winter jazz performances.

Home Entertainment McCoy Mrubata and Gary Wittner Reunite for Johannesburg Jazz Performances

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McCoy Mrubata and Gary Wittner Reunite for Johannesburg Jazz Performances

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Venecia Valentine

Two internationally acclaimed jazz artists with a friendship and musical partnership spanning two decades will reunite in Johannesburg this July for two special performances as part of their South African winter tour.

Legendary South African saxophonist, flautist and composer McCoy Mrubata joins acclaimed American guitarist Gary Wittner for an intimate duo concert at The Imagination Room at The Factory on Grant in Norwood on Thursday, 9 July 2026 at 19:00.

The tour continues with a second Johannesburg performance at Die Pienk Kerk in Melville on Saturday, 11 July, where the duo will be joined by bassist Jimmy Mngwandi and drummer Bernice Boikanyo for a quartet performance.

A musical friendship spanning 20 years

Mrubata and Wittner’s musical journey began in 2006 at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, where they were paired together before they had even exchanged words.

An immediate artistic connection sparked a collaboration built on mutual respect, shared musical curiosity and lasting friendship.

Over the past 20 years, the pair have performed together across South Africa and the United States, moving between intimate duo settings and larger ensemble performances.

Their collaborations have included performances with celebrated South African supergroup Uhadi, featuring the late Feya Faku, Sibongile Khumalo, Paul Hanmer, Herbie Tsoaeli and Justin Badenhorst.

Jazz across borders

Their partnership has also been supported by Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, which helped facilitate the recording of Mrubata’s acclaimed album Lullaby for Khayoyo, featuring Wittner on guitar.

Jazz at Lincoln Center has also supported several of Wittner’s South African tours.

In 2024, the pair performed at San Francisco’s SFJAZZ before embarking on an eight-date tour of Maine.

They continued touring together in South Africa and the United States in 2025, with Wittner returning this winter for another series of performances, workshops and masterclasses.

“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 conversations shaped by friendship, curiosity and a shared love of jazz,” says McCoy Mrubata.

What audiences can expect

Audiences can expect an evening of improvisation and musical storytelling, shaped by the long-standing chemistry between Mrubata and Wittner.

The Melville concert will expand the duo’s connection into a quartet performance, celebrating jazz’s ability to connect cultures, generations and traditions.