Want to know where the locals love to go? In this exclusive series on Time Out Cape Town, ‘Local Intel’ taps into some of the city’s best-connected characters to unearth the corners you simply can’t miss in the Mother City.
Blending jazz and African indigenous rhythms with intimate storytelling and a sense of musical universality, Mandisi Dyantyis is a celebrated South African musician, composer and arranger who is nothing short of a national treasure in the making.
Born in Gqeberha, his musical journey began by singing in church. He learned to play the trumpet at the age of eight, and would eventually earn a master’s degree in music from the University of Cape Town.
But it’s on stage and in the studio where Dyantyis truly shines: he has performed with the likes of Jimmy Dludlu and the Abdullah Ibrahim Big Band. He is the musical director of the Isango Ensemble Theatre Company. His discography includes Somandla (2018) and Cwaka (2021), both of which cemented his reputation as a compelling storyteller. He was also the only South African artist selected for Herbie Hancock’s International Jazz Day Global Concert in both 2021 and 2024.
With a career spanning continents, Dyantyis continues to shape the soundscape of South African music, weaving rich narratives through melody and rhythm.
“I want my music to reflect the people; everyone must be able to find themselves in my music,” says Dyantyis. “It’s music that is really concerned with humankind. What can we do to make our lives better? What can we do so that we leave this country better than we found it? What can we do to inspire people on the fringes? I try and go to the places that can help me see that.”
MORE CELEBS SHARE THEIR LOCAL SECRETS
I love the mountains because I run a lot, and I love finding scenic routes on Table Mountain. I’m often running in Constantia or Tokai and Newlands Forest. I probably do that once or twice a week. It’s a place to keep me very calm. I also enjoy running the beachfront in Muizenberg, all the way to Simonstown
This is probably my favourite seafood place in Cape Town, because of the fresh fish and also the views that you enjoy. As long as you get a good table that is! At Harbour House Kalk Bay there’s a table in the corner that is the best, so you have to book in advance or know someone who knows someone! It’s much easier to get during lunchtime, than for supper.
Harbour, 173A Main Rd, Kalk Bay
The Book Lounge on Roeland Street is my favourite book shop in Cape Town. They’ve taken a lot of my money! They always have the book I’m looking for, and if they don’t have it they’ll get it in no time at all. Beautiful people there.
71 Roeland St, Cape Town
Whether you’re a walker or a runner, in the afternoon you meet so many people at the Common. They are all going for different goals, having conversation or exercise, but it literally is a common place for all of us.
Parking on Campground and Belmont Roads
I always like going to Marco’s with my friends. It’s where we go when we want traditional African food: sheep’s head, ulusu (tripe) and umngqusho (samp and beans).
15 Rose Lane, Bo-Kaap
This is one of my favourite stretches in Cape Town for a good day out, just being in an area of beauty. I really enjoy Scarborough; it’s so quiet and laid back. There are like two shops! I enjoy that section of the coast because it’s so peaceful. There’s also a wonderful running race [Ed: the Milkwood Run] that passes through there.
I enjoy the variety of everything that Cape Town has to offer. That means you’ll find me at Chefs Warehouse in Constantia, but also Snoekies fish shop, or at the taxi rank in Langa having some braaied meat! All of that is in my music; the gaps that are created and the situations people live in, and trying to make the best of the situations they are placed in.
I love watching live music, and there are plenty of wonderful places in Cape Town. Down in Muizenberg, The Commons is really vibey and they book some beautiful music. In town, The Athletic has been booking some really interesting music lately. I also enjoy the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch for live music and plays.
I’m always at the Norval Foundation in Tokai. Once I leave spaces like this, I feel very inspired to create my music.
4 Steenberg Rd, Tokai
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