Music has a way of shaping how we experience the world, writes Miriam Kimvangu.
Image used for illustrative purposes/The Joy of Jazz/Mpilomadonsela135/Wikimedia Commons
From jazz filled cultural districts to laid back towns that feel like a folk song brought to life, these destinations are waiting for you to follow the music. If your playlist says a lot about who you are, it might also be the best guide to your next trip.
Jazz: Newtown, Johannesburg
Newtown has long been considered the spiritual home of jazz culture in Johannesburg, and the neighbourhood still carries that improvisational energy. Known for its artistic heritage and performance spaces, the precinct blends history with contemporary creativity. Venues like Niki’s Oasis Restaurant and Jazz Club offer intimate live performances where audiences sit close enough to feel every note, while The Marabi Club recreates the glamour of classic jazz culture in an atmospheric underground setting.
Beyond the music itself, the broader Newtown area reflects jazz’s layered personality. Theatres, galleries, and cultural institutions create a dynamic environment where experimentation thrives. Expect rhythm, history, and a sense of organised chaos that somehow works perfectly. Like a good jazz solo, it is unpredictable in the best way.
Indie and alternative: Cape Town CBD and Woodstock
If your playlist leans toward indie or alternative sounds, Cape Town’s CBD and nearby Woodstock offer an environment that feels appropriately offbeat. Woodstock in particular has developed a reputation as a creative hub, filled with street art, design studios, vintage stores, and cafés that double as performance spaces. The area attracts artists and musicians who give the neighbourhood its distinctly independent identity.
The Cape Town CBD complements this with independent record stores, intimate live venues, and rooftop spaces hosting experimental performances. There is a relaxed confidence to the area, where creativity feels effortless and slightly unconventional. You might arrive for the music but stay for the atmosphere, the coffee, and the inevitable urge to pretend you discovered the next big band before anyone else.
Electronic music: Durban
Durban’s coastal energy pairs naturally with electronic music culture. The city’s nightlife is driven by rhythm and movement, and it is widely associated with gqom, a local electronic genre that emerged from township culture and gained international influence. Beachside venues, late night clubs, and open air events create an immersive experience where music is as much about physical energy as it is about sound.
The warm climate and relaxed coastal lifestyle enhance the city’s dance focused culture. Along the Golden Mile and beyond, DJs regularly blend house, techno, and local beats that keep crowds moving well into the early hours. Durban does not do quiet background music. It does basslines, late nights, and the kind of energy that makes “just one more song” a very optimistic promise.
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Folk: Greyton
Folk music is often associated with storytelling, simplicity, and connection to place, and the small town of Greyton captures this spirit effortlessly. Located in the Overberg region, the town is known for its tree lined streets, local markets, and slower pace of life. The setting encourages reflection, making it a natural match for acoustic sounds and stripped back performances.
Rather than large scale venues, Greyton offers intimate community spaces where music feels personal and unpolished in the best sense. Seasonal festivals and local gatherings celebrate storytelling, craft, and creativity. It is the kind of destination where the loudest sound might be birdsong, and somehow that still feels like part of the playlist.
Rock and alternative: Pretoria
Pretoria’s long standing rock and alternative music culture is fuelled by a strong student presence and an active live performance circuit. Areas such as Hatfield are known for energetic nightlife and small venues where emerging bands perform to enthusiastic crowds. The atmosphere is direct, raw, and refreshingly unfiltered.
Live shows often feel spontaneous, with close interaction between artists and audiences creating a sense of shared experience. Beyond the music, Pretoria’s mix of historic landmarks and contemporary culture mirrors rock’s own evolution. It is bold, slightly rebellious, and occasionally loud enough to make your ears ring, which for many fans is part of the appeal.
Classical and orchestra: Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch offers an atmosphere well suited to classical and orchestral music, with its historic architecture, academic institutions, and carefully preserved cultural spaces. The town’s oak lined streets and refined aesthetic create a sense of structure and balance that mirrors classical composition.
Concert halls and cultural venues regularly host performances that emphasise technical precision and musical tradition. Visitors can move between galleries, wine estates, and live concerts in a setting that encourages quiet appreciation. It is sophisticated without being intimidating, and yes, it might inspire you to sit a little straighter while listening.
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