George Burton

Sankayi Jazz Series welcomes internationally acclaimed American pianist, composer and bandleader George Burton on Friday, 30 October.An NAACP Image Award-nominated artist from Philadelphia, Burton has developed a distinctive musical language that moves between jazz, electronics, hip-hop and experimental music. His critically acclaimed 2024 album White Noise brought these elements together with Xhosa music, creating a powerful dialogue between American jazz and Southern African musical traditions. Burton’s career has taken him from Philadelphia’s hard-bop scene to seven years as pianist with the Sun Ra Arkestra, and into collaborations with artists including Shabaka Hutchings, David Murray, Makaya McCraven, Marquis Hill, James Carter and Meshell Ndegeocello. His ensembles have performed at the Newport Jazz Festival, Blues Alley, the Kimmel Centre and on NPR’s Jazz Night in America. At Sankayi, Burton brings his new Dark Science project, featuring South African trombonist and vocalist Siya Makuzeni, continuing the musical dialogue first explored on White Noise. Friday, 30 OctoberDoors 18:00 | Music 20:00Sankayi Jazz Room, MorningsideSeats are reserved with your ticket booking. We’re continuing to refine how we manage seating at Sankayi, and we know some guests are finding it difficult to select the right number of seats around the table. If you’re having any trouble with your booking or seating, please contact us on +27 50 053 3133, and we’ll be happy to assist.