The distinct "African sound" in jazz was forged through several regional subgenres that emerged throughout the 20th century:

South African jazz is more than just a musical genre; it is a "class of its own," born from a hundred-year conversation between global jazz traditions and deeply rooted African rhythms. From the underground shebeens of the apartheid era to today's vibrant contemporary festivals, the "South African Jazz Mix" is a blend of survival, identity, and profound musicality. 1. The Ingredients: Uniquely South African Styles

Certain artists defined the genre by taking South African jazz to the world stage, often while living in exile: Hugh Masekela