Back by popular demand – The Luyanda Madope Trio will perform on Easter Sunday
Die Pienk Kerk in Melville was abuzz this past Saturday as the Luyanda Madope Trio delivered a sold-out performance that had audiences completely captivated. Due to overwhelming demand, the trio will return for a special Easter Sunday performance at 2pm.
Once a church and now a unique restaurant, performance venue, and gathering space, Die Pienk Kerk—under the direction of owner and chef Yanni Briel—continues to create an experience where food, music, and community come together effortlessly. The venue is fast establishing itself as a standout destination in Johannesburg’s cultural scene, with this past weekend’s vibrant jazz performance further cementing its reputation as a must-visit live music space.
The Line-up
Luyanda Madope – Piano
Luyanda Madope is a South African pianist, composer, and musical director whose work bridges jazz, African contemporary music, and storytelling across stage, screen, and broadcast platforms. A member of the acclaimed band Afro4, he has performed across Europe and Africa, sharing stages with international artists including Marcus Miller and Jonathan Butler. Beyond performance, Madope has served as musical director for leading South African comedians such as Celeste Ntuli, Loyiso Gola, and Kagiso Lediga. He also champions jazz development through initiatives such as The Formation with Luyanda Madope on JazzuaryFM. His forthcoming debut solo album, An Ode to the Womb, is a deeply personal exploration of lineage, memory, and heritage.
Mzwandile Kunene – Bass
Joining the trio on bass for these performances, Mzwandile Kunene steps in for Gontse Makhene. Born in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal, Kunene began his musical journey on his grandfather’s piano before transitioning to bass. He studied at the FUBA School of Music and the University of Venda, and has built a versatile freelance career spanning jazz, gospel, African music, and rock. He has performed with artists including Simphiwe Dana, McCoy Mrubata, and Suthukazi Arosi, as well as gospel greats such as Deborah Fraser, Sfiso Ncwane, and the late Vuyo Mokoena. His international experience includes performances at the Red Sea Jazz Festival and residencies in Doha and Muscat. He is currently a resident band member at the Saxon Hotel in Sandton and also works as a sound engineer.
Sipho SJ Malinga – Drums
Sipho SJ Malinga is a multi-disciplinary artist, educator, and creative leader known for blending ancestral African rhythms with contemporary jazz. Born in Mhluzi, Mpumalanga, he began on keyboards at age eight before moving to drums at twelve. His career was shaped at the FUBA School of Music under Prof. Geoff Mapaya, leading to his discovery by Selaelo Selota. Known for his signature “soft touch,” Malinga brings a dynamic yet sensitive approach to performance. He has collaborated with leading artists including Nduduzo Makhathini, Herbie Tsoaeli, and Mduduzi Mtshali, and shared stages with international icons such as Richard Bona, Kirk Whalum, and Kenny G. His accolades include a Licentiate Diploma in Drum Performance and becoming the first Black South African endorsee of DW Drums through Marshall Music. He is also the founder of SJ CreaTVs and an active contributor to arts development initiatives.
An Ode to the Womb – Live
The performance will feature music from Madope’s forthcoming album, An Ode to the Womb, offering audiences a reflective and immersive musical journey exploring themes of lineage, memory, and heritage.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, 5 April
Time: Show starts 2pm
Tickets: R200 per person (available via Quicket). It is free seating.
Guests can order from the menu, and are welcome to bring their own wine (no corkage). With recent performances selling out, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Please note that only patrons who purchase tickets for the show will be able to watch.
Beyond the Stage
Die Pienk Kerk continues to expand its offering beyond live performances, including:
- Shared Harvest Table (Sundays): R175 per person, designed for relaxed communal dining
- Participation in the Melville Art Mile, supporting local artists
- A thoughtfully curated menu balancing comfort and creativity
A Space Finding Its Rhythm
With a growing list of sold-out shows and a loyal audience, Die Pienk Kerk is fast becoming a cornerstone of Melville’s cultural landscape—a space where people return for the food, the music, and the atmosphere that brings it all together.
Venue Details
Die Pienk Kerk Restaurant & Coffee Shop
24 Chatou Road, Melville
Tel & WhatsApp: 063 693 6415
