Full Name: Jackson Mahlakgane
Nickname: Jazzman
Date of Birth: July 1970
Place of Birth: Mogalakwena, Limpopo, South Africa
Profession: Football Agent, Marketing Specialist, Entertainment Promoter, Businessman
Notable Contributions: Founder of Professionalz Agency and Marketing, Promoter of Birchwood Jazz Evenings, Director at Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre
Who is Jazzman Mahlakgane?
Jackson “Jazzman” Mahlakgane is a renowned South African football agent, entertainment promoter, and marketing expert. Rising from humble beginnings in Limpopo and the East Rand, Jazzman carved a name for himself in both the sports and entertainment industries. He is best known for managing top footballers like Teko Modise, Siphiwe Tshabalala, and Thembinkosi Lorch, and for promoting South Africa’s vibrant jazz culture through the famous Birchwood Jazz Evenings.
Early Life and Education
Jazzman Mahlakgane was born in July 1970 in Mogalakwena, Limpopo. He began his schooling at Tlhakauma Primary School in his hometown. During his formative years, his family moved to the East Rand in Gauteng, where he continued to grow and develop a deep passion for sports and music.
Early Football Career
Before entering the business world, Mahlakgane was an aspiring footballer. He played as a left winger for Lenasia Dynamites and later for Blackpool FC. Unfortunately, a severe knee injury ended his playing career prematurely. However, Mahlakgane’s natural charisma and organizational talent quickly propelled him towards new opportunities beyond the pitch.
Entry into Football Management
In 2000, Mahlakgane officially began his career as a football agent by founding Professionalz Agency and Marketing. Through Professionalz, he built an impressive roster of South African football stars, including:
- Teko Modise
- Siphiwe Tshabalala
- Happy Jele
- Ayanda Dlamini
- Themba Zwane
- Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya
- Siphesihle Ndlovu
- Bruce Bvuma
- Kabelo Dlamini
- Thembinkosi Lorch
Photo taken from Soccer Laduma.
Under Mahlakgane’s management, many players secured lucrative endorsement deals and sponsorships. His agency became synonymous with professionalism and success, helping players build sustainable careers both on and off the field.
Beyond player management, Professionalz Agency oversees major youth development initiatives, including the Nike Under-14 Tournament and the McDonald’s Under-14 Schools League, nurturing future generations of football talent in South Africa.
Contributions to South African Jazz
Parallel to his sports career, Mahlakgane pursued his passion for music promotion. In 2001, he organized his first jazz event at the Birchwood Hotel, drawing only 40 attendees out of an expected 120. Undeterred, he grew the event over the years into the highly celebrated Oude Meester Ekurhuleni Comes Alive Jazz Evening.
The event blossomed into a national attraction, drawing audiences of over 600 people from across South Africa. It provided a platform for emerging and established artists such as:
- Judith Sephuma (first performance)
- Siphokazi
- Nokukhanya Dlamini
- Zama Jobe
- Nana Coyote (first solo performance after Stimela)
- Thandiswa Mazwai
- Oliver Mtukudzi
- Swazi Dlamini
- Ringo Madlingozi
- Selaelo Selota
- Ray Phiri
- Jonas Gwangwa
- Hugh Masekela
- Yvonne Chaka Chaka
- Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse
- Julian Bahule (Malombo)
The phenomenal success of the jazz evenings also boosted the Birchwood Hotel’s development, expanding from 86 rooms and two conference facilities in 2001 to 450 rooms and 45 conference venues today.
Business Ventures
Today, Mahlakgane is recognized as a highly sought-after communications and marketing specialist with extensive experience in the sports, entertainment, and hospitality sectors. He serves as a director at both the Birchwood Hotel and the OR Tambo Conference Centre, playing a major role in their growth into premier hospitality venues in South Africa.
Scam and Impersonation Incident
At some point in his career (specific year not detailed), Mahlakgane publicly revealed that fraudsters were impersonating him to scam players and club owners. This incident raised awareness within the football community about the importance of verifying agent credentials.
Legacy and Impact
Through his dedication, vision, and relentless work ethic, Jackson “Jazzman” Mahlakgane has left an indelible mark on both South African football and the local jazz music scene. He continues to inspire as a multifaceted entrepreneur who transformed personal setbacks into lasting success stories.
