Keenan Ahrends is not just another jazz guitarist—he’s a musical storyteller. If you’ve never heard of him, don’t worry, you’re about to get schooled in all things Ahrends. This Johannesburg-based guitarist and composer has been making waves in the jazz world, both locally and internationally, with a style that’s as expressive as it is technically refined.
From Teenage Strummer to Jazz Virtuoso
Ahrends picked up the guitar at fifteen. Now, let’s be honest—most teenagers with a guitar either start a garage band or try (and fail) to impress their crushes with bad covers of love songs. But Ahrends? He took things seriously. So seriously that he ended up studying jazz performance at the University of Cape Town and the Norwegian Academy of Music, graduating in 2009.
As if that wasn’t enough, he went back to the books and completed an honours degree in performance at Wits University in 2019. During this time, he dove deep into the life and music of South African jazz legend Errol Dyers. Not exactly light reading, but definitely a passion project that has shaped his approach to composition and improvisation.
Learning from the Masters
They say you’re only as good as the company you keep. Well, Ahrends has kept some legendary company. During his studies, he learned from top-tier musicians like Jon Eberson, Wayne Bosch, Eckhard Baur, Alvin Dyers, and Andrew Lilly. That’s like going to football practice and getting coached by Messi, Ronaldo, and Pele all at once.
Touring the World, One Jazz Club at a Time
Ahrends has done more touring than a rock star with a world map and a travel budget. He’s played all over, from Mozambique to Sweden, from Norway to Nigeria. And it’s not just the number of countries that impresses—it’s the venues and festivals he’s played at. Ever heard of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival? Of course, you have.
What about the Joy of Jazz Festival? Standard Bank Youth Jazz Festival? He’s ticked all those boxes and more. He’s also performed at the Amersfoort Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, the Birds Eye Jazz Club in Switzerland, and even the Ocus Pocus Festival on Reunion Island. That last one sounds like a place where magic happens—and judging by his music, it probably did.
Making Music That Matters
In 2017, Ahrends dropped his debut album, Narrative, featuring a stellar lineup including Romy Brauteseth, Claude Cozens, Sisonke Xonti, and Nicholas Williams. It was met with critical acclaim because, well, it was good. Really good.
Then, in 2022, he followed it up with Perseverance: Live at the Bird’s Eye. This time, he teamed up with Romy Brauteseth again, along with Sphelelo Mazibuko, Domenic Landolf, and Lukas Thoeni. Both albums showcase his signature style—evocative, emotive, and deeply rooted in the jazz tradition while pushing the genre forward.
More Than Just a Guitarist
Ahrends isn’t just about playing; he’s about composing too. He’s written extensively for his trio (featuring Brauteseth and Mazibuko) and has also arranged music for larger ensembles like the Cape Town Ghoema Orchestra. Basically, if there’s a jazz outfit worth knowing about, chances are Ahrends has either played with them, written for them, or influenced them in some way.
The Big Apple and Back Home
After a successful tour in New York, Ahrends is bringing his trio back home for a South African tour in February. The final stop? The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at UKZN, Durban. If you’re in the area, this is your chance to hear compositions from both his albums performed live by a world-class trio, featuring Benjamin Jephta on bass and Sphelelo Mazibuko on drums.
Why You Should Be Listening to Keenan Ahrends
Ahrends is one of those musicians who doesn’t just play music—he speaks through it. His playing is sensitive yet powerful, intricate yet accessible. He’s an important voice in the Southern African jazz scene, and if you haven’t checked out his work yet, now’s the time.
His tour and projects are made possible through the support of Concerts SA, the Festival Enterprise Catalyst, SAMRO, the National Treasury Jobs Fund, and IKS Cultural Consulting—proving that even the jazz world recognizes that Ahrends is the real deal.
So, do yourself a favour. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or just someone looking to expand your playlist, give Keenan Ahrends a listen. Your ears will thank you.
Brotherhood - Keenan Ahrends
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