Two Jewish brothers emigrated from Ukraine to South Africa in the 1800s to find a better life. The grandson of one brother opened a mixed-race jazz club in South Africa during apartheid. Mbaqanga Nights told the story of how the grandson managed South African politics and racial dynamics simultaneously.

To be honest, the book felt like it had two narratives, similar to parallel lines, that didn’t truly converge for me. I was much more captivated by the nightclub portions of the story than the exodus of the brothers from Ukraine. Being of a different background, I felt that part of the story’s significance could have resonated more if I shared that heritage.

Despite this, I was fond of the nightclub sections of the book, and Meriel highlighted music’s ability to overcome societal divisions. Mbaqanga Nights presents an intriguing exploration of identity, politics, and music that makes for a worthwhile read.