The Jazz Epistles were a pioneering bebop band from South Africa, often regarded as the country's first significant jazz outfit. Dollar Brand (later known as Abdullah Ibrahim) on piano, Kippie Moeketsi on alto saxophone, Jonas Gwangwa on trombone, Hugh Masekela on trumpet, Johnny Gertze on bass, and Early Mabuza or Makaya Ntshoko on drums formed the group, which was inspired by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. They rose to prominence after appearing at the famed jam sessions known as Jazz at the Odin in Sophiatown. They created history in 1959 by recording the first album by a black South African band, "Jazz Epistle, Verse 1." Their time was cut short, however, as apartheid intensified and African artists were repressed. After a 56-year hiatus, the Jazz Epistles reunited for concerts in Johannesburg, followed by performances in North America and Europe, reigniting their influential presence in the world of jazz.

The Jazz Epistles is a South African Jazz band, the band has been a great impact to the Jazz music in South Africca.

The Jazz Epistles

The Complete Recordings

Yardbird Suite

Body & Soul

Uka-Jonga Phambili

Vary-Oo-Vum

Old Devil Moon

Scullery Department

Gafsa

Twelve Times Twelve

Lover Come Back to Me

Blues for Hughie

Delilah

Dollar's Moods

Cosmic Ray

Carols Drive