Ten time Grammy-Nominated saxophone icon Dave Koz returns to South Africa for two exclusive January 2027 performances.

 Internationally acclaimed contemporary jazz superstar Dave Koz will make his long-awaited return to South Africa in January 2027, bringing his signature blend of world-class musicianship, timeless hits and infectious stage presence to audiences in Cape Town and Pretoria. 

“Being truly one of the most favorite spots on the globe, I simply cannot wait to return to South Africa this January for concerts in Jo’burg and Cape Town. The best audiences in the world can be found in these two cities…and I promise those who come to the show a musical memory for the ages… See you soon!“’, says Dave Koz.

A multiple Grammy Award nominee, platinum-selling recording artist, acclaimed radio host and one of the world’s most celebrated saxophonists, Koz has spent more than three decades captivating audiences across the globe with unforgettable live performances and chart-topping contemporary jazz releases.

His South African performances promise an evening of exceptional musicianship, beloved classics, fan favourites and selections from his celebrated catalogue, performed by one of the genre’s most respected and enduring artists.

Throughout his remarkable career, Dave Koz has achieved:

• Multiple Grammy Award nominations
• Twelve No.1 albums on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart
• A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• The 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
• Millions of albums sold worldwide
• Internationally acclaimed Christmas Tours, Summer Horns Tours and sold-out cruises

Whether performing intimate ballads or high-energy contemporary jazz anthems, Koz has built a reputation for creating concerts that are as uplifting as they are musically extraordinary.

Beyond recording and touring, Koz is widely respected for his philanthropy, broadcasting career and commitment to using music to bring people together. 

With a performance style that effortlessly blends contemporary jazz, pop, R&B and soul influences, Dave Koz continues to inspire audiences across generations and remains one of the genre’s most beloved performers.

Website: https://www.davekoz.com/

Dave Koz

With Special Guest Chris Walker

Dave Koz will be joined on his South African tour by bassist, vocalist, and producer Chris Walker, who served as Al Jarreau’s musical director, bassist, and co-vocalist for more than twenty years, until Jarreau’s passing in 2017. He studied at the New School and went on to play with Ornette Coleman, Art Blakey, Bob James, and Cassandra Wilson before becoming musical director for Regina Belle. His own records have produced Top 5 R&B singles, and his music has long found a devoted audience. 

Chris Walker’s first release ‘First Time’ produced two top five singles; “Giving You All My Love” and “Take Time,” which crossed over to become top 30 on the pop charts. His second release entitled Sincerely Yours, included the classic song, “How Do You Heal A Broken Heart,” written by Chris and Carole Bayer Sager, which has received over 70 million views on YouTube. Chris has numerous hit songs that are fan favorites in South Africa, including “I Will Always Love You”, “Everything Will Be Alright”, “Someone To Love Me Forever” and more. Chris is also the new lead singer of the iconic band Maze.

“I am super excited to return to South Africa as a special guest with my dear friend, Dave Koz! South Africa is truly my second home and I can’t wait to perform for such an enthusiastic audience! We have a love that goes back to Eddie Zondi, when he first introduced my music to SA and I am forever grateful.”, says Chris Walker.

Website: https://chriswalkersmusic.com/

Randy Jacobs

Guitar, Musical Director
Detroit-raised and working professionally from age 13, Randy Jacobs is Dave’s longtime guitarist and musical director. A core member of Was (Not Was), he co-wrote the worldwide hit “Walk the Dinosaur” and has recorded with B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Seal, and Tears for Fears. In 1994 he founded The Boneshakers — a band named, as it happens, by Bonnie Raitt — and still leads them today.
 

Nathaniel Kearney Jr.

Bass
A native of Halifax, North Carolina, Nathaniel Kearney Jr. grew up on gospel quartet music and taught himself bass before turning pro. He toured the world with Kurt Carr, recorded and performed with a long list of gospel and secular artists, and played the White House during a Black Music Month celebration before moving to Los Angeles in 2009. He has anchored Dave’s rhythm section for years.

Carnell Harrell

Keyboards
A Commercial Piano graduate of Cal State Long Beach, Carnell Harrell is a keyboardist, arranger, producer, and musical director whose range runs from gospel and neo-soul to rock, fusion, and smooth jazz. He has played with Jennifer Lopez, The Jacksons, Teena Marie, Chaka Khan, Andra Day, Jonathan Butler, Boney James, and Gerald Albright, among many others.