ENTERING its 26th iteration, this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has been expanded to accommodate 60 musicians from 15 countries.
This is massive and for the very first time the organisers have added another day from the usual two-day international fest.
Performing across four stages at the Sandton International Convention Centre, from September 26 to 28, will feature top performers drawn from all walks of life, whose this year’s theme is “I Heart Jazz” that was launched at Artistry in Sandton.
The Mbira Stage, aimed at broader audiences and cross-genre experimentation, will present José James’ Sings Badu project, alongside beloved South African acts Amanda Black, Elaine, KB Motsilenyane, and the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner, Muneyi.
Artists from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, eSwatini and the DRC will further enrich the festival’s cultural and sonic diversity.
Dinaledi Stage are internationally acclaimed artists including multi-Grammy award-winning bassist and composer Esperanza Spalding (US), alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin (US), and South African talents Thandi Ntuli, Nomfundo Xaluva, and Steve Dyer, whose Vision of Ubuntu project will feature the Amazwi8 Choir.
In a special tribute to the country’s jazz legacy, Standard Bank Young Artist alumni such as Siya Makuzeni, Andile Yenana, and Mandla Mlangeni will also perform.
The Dipala Stage will offer a more traditional jazz experience, with acts such as The Baylor Project (US), the Hakan Basar Trio (Turkey), and South Africa’s Peter Auret and Kyle Shepherd Trios.
Czech ensemble Najponk Trio and Canadian pianist Simon Denizart are among the international guests. Notably, Jazzmeia Horn (US), known for her imaginative vocal stylings, will perform alongside local favourites such as trombonist Siya “Jazzmatic” Charles and vocalist Phinda Matlala.
Celebrating jazz’s global and Pan-African roots, the Conga Stage will feature genre-defying icons including Oumou Sangaré (Mali), Meshell Ndegeocello (US), and South African innovator Gabi Motuba.
Senegal’s Alune Wade, Ghanaian saxophonist Steve Bedi, and a Nordic-African ensemble including Nduduzo Makhathini will offer a fusion of intercontinental sounds.
Mantwa Chinoamadi, T-Musicman producer said: “We are excited about where younger musicians are taking the music, while acknowledging the incredible voices of today’s leading women.”
“With over 40 years of championing the arts, we are thrilled by this year’s transcendent line-up, a celebration of legendary jazz greats, dynamic young voices, and powerful women in jazz,” quipped Standard Bank Head of Brand Experience- Yolisa Koza.
Tickets are available here
Top Image (Esperanza Spalding, US multi-Grammy award-winning bassist and composer, will make her first appearance in SA during the JoJ in September from 26 to 28 in Sandton).
