Jazz Epistles

Jazz Epistles was South Africa's first important (albeit short lived) bebop band. Inspired by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, it's members included Dollar Brand (later known as

Jazz Epistles was South Africa's first important (albeit short lived) bebop band. Inspired by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, it's members included Dollar Brand (later known as Abdullah Ibrahim) on piano, Kippie Moeketsi on alto saxophone, Jonas Gwangwa on trombone, Hugh Masekela on trumpet, Johnny Gertse on guitar, and Early Mabuza on drums. The group became famous after performing in the jam sessions called Jazz at the Odin in the Odin Theater in Sophiatown.

In 1959 just before breaking up, Jazz Epistles recorded the first album by a black South African band, Jazz Epistle, Verse 1. That same year, composer Tod Matshikiza's musical King Kong became a hit in Johannesburg. It used a jazz score to tell the tragic story of South African heavyweight boxer Ezekial "King Kong" Dhlamini. Miriam Makeba, members of the Manhattan Brothers, and the Jazz Epistles musicians were involved in the production.