Art ensemble, Ladies in Jazz was formed in August 1998 by two ambitious women. Anikki Maswanganye (Drummer) and Thandi Mahlangu had one thing in common, to become an afro jazz band that is going to empower fellow musicians. We engaged female instrument players, Nomadlozi Spies (Bass) and the late Thelma Ndo Segone (Piano). The band worked hard to gain recognition and respect from the promoters, well-known musicians and the media. They had coverage in the Sowetan, Bona Magazine, the Sunday Times and the Pretoria News. They also had interviews on Morning Live, Jazz Indaba and Connexion as well as other interviews on National and Community Radio Stations.

The Band has since featured in a number of big festivals such as the Joy of Jazz Johannesburg International, Castle Milk Stout Home Brew Jazz, Jazz Inferno, Jazz for the Lovers, Venues such as Kippies International, Blues Room, Sheraton Rag club, Blue Note, Fitzgerald Square. They are regulars with South African Music Week, Arts Alive Jazz Festival, Music at Public Places, Eclipes Festival, etc. They have been a backing band for Yvonne Chakachaka, Wendy Oldfield & Nataly Rangan (the winner of the 2001 Old Mutual Jazz Encounter on the Project) and Bomane at the Playhouse. They got invitations to perform at the Best Driver Award by the Minister of Transport, Mr Khabisi Mosunkutu. They also graced the launch of an aids manual by Minister of Public Works, Geraldine Fraser Moleketi. In addition, they launched the Government website with President Mbeki.

The band have shared the stage with the likes of Sibongile Khumalo, Gloria Bosman, Jimmy Dludlu, Joe Macbright, Oliver Mtukudzi, Paul Hanmer, Macoy Mrubata, Jonas Ngwangwa, Selaelo Selota, Sylvia Mdunyelwa, Sello Galane, Jeff Maloleke, just to mention a few.

The band consists of a Vocalist, Bassist, Keyboard/Pianist, Drummer, Horn Player, Percussions (Session) and Backing Vocal (Session) or Guitenist.

Band Members include Anikki Maswanganye (Band Leader), Thandi Mahlangu, Zodwa Mabena, Lesego Nkonyane, Loisa Lolo Chipane and Thope Diniso.