(Right: Babalwa Mentjies)
The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents: Intsholo Yamanina: Honoring the Melodies of Women in Song led by Babalwa Mentjies on October 15, 2025, at 17h30.
Babalwa Mentjies is a versatile jazz vocalist and accomplished songwriter from Makhanda, Eastern Cape, now based in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a postgraduate qualification in Marketing Management. Beyond her thriving performance career, Babalwa is a passionate vocal coach and music educator.
She currently serves as Project Manager at the Institute for Music and Indigenous Arts Development (IMAD) and is a co-founder of the Amathunzi Arts & Development Centre, an organization dedicated to using the arts to address social challenges. In 2024, Babalwa was honoured as an Influential Woman of the Year.
Babalwa Mentjies captivates audiences both locally and internationally, performing alongside South Africa’s leading jazz artists with her soulful voice and commanding stage presence.
The performance features an all-female band:
Babalwa Mentjies – Vocals
Thembi Dunjana – Piano
Tiana Amari Rwanqana – Bass
Chanté Phillips – Drums
Danél Dippenaar – Alto Saxophone
Hope Hadebe – Trombone
Tickets available for cash purchase at the door. R120 (R90
pensioners & R60 students).
The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located in Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus. Use gate 3 or gate 8 off Rick Turner Road.
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