The Jazz Epistles was a pioneering South African jazz group formed in the late 1950s. It is notable for being one of the first all-Black jazz ensembles in South Africa, featuring prominent musicians like Dollar Brand (later known as Abdullah Ibrahim) and Kippie Moeketsi. The group aimed to blend traditional African music with jazz, creating a unique sound that reflected the cultural landscape of the time. The Jazz Epistles released their influential album, Jazz Epistle, Verse 1, in 1960. This album showcased their innovative approach to jazz and highlighted the struggles and aspirations of Black South Africans during the apartheid era. The group's work laid the foundation for future generations of South African jazz musicians.