THE 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz returns with the promise of exhilarating experiences for music lovers to Feel the Jazz, Everywhere!
Africa’s premier jazz festival takes place on September 29 and 30 September,at the Sandton Convention Center.
At the packed media launch on Wednesday evening in Parktown, the organisers also revealed a stellar line-up comprising of local and international stars.
The Dinaledi Stage will be headlined by Grammy Award winner Swiss harpist Andreas Vollenweider and Friends Ayanda Nhlangothi, Vusi Nhlapo and Vuyo Tshuma on vocals.
The Grand Stage will also feature multi-band leader and composer, Marcus Wyatt; and Kwa Zulu Natal bred guitar maestro, Ernie Smith.
Another Grammy Award winner, pianist and composer Robert Glasperwill headline The Conga Stage,alongside a league of contemporary jazz giants respected in straight ahead jazz and their foray into other genres.
Also expect Alexander Beets’ Quintetwith pianist Miguel Rodriguez, bassist Marius Beets, drummer Sven Rozier and tenor man Lucas Santana.
Guitarist Billy Monama will pay tribute to Allen Kwela and guestsTiti Luzipo and Mimi Mtshali, so will be another special tribute, The Hugh Masekela Band, withLeeroy Sauls, Godfrey Mgcina, Fana Zulu, Cameron Ward Johan Mthethwa, Sydney Mavundla, Percy Mbonani, Mluleki Chuma and Selema Mokgothi on vocals will honour the late great trumpeter.
Zoe Modiga, Carlo Mombelli, are also expected, so is Herbie Tsoaeliwhowill presentBassline: a project in tribute to the late legendary bassist and jazz pioneer Johnny Dyani.
Titi Loziphowill pay tribute to Gloria Bosman; a timely ode to the recently departed singer and composer.
The Mbira Stagewill feature an exciting selection of musical entertainers with an appeal to a broad sonic taste spectrum, Zonke, Buhle Bendaloof the soil fame, Max-Hobawill present a tribute to Jabu Khanyile; other soulful singers on the bill includeAmi Faku, Langa Mavuso, Samthing Soweto along with the voice of our contemporary political conscienceSimphiwe Dana.
McCoy Mrubata and Brasskap will ascend the Joy of Jazz stage which includesHlubi Kwebulana, Lwanda Gogwana, Jabu Magubane, Gareth Harvey, Wandile Molefe, Nhlanhla Radebe, Bernice Boikanyo.
Jazz lovers can also look forward to multi-award-winning pianist and Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz (SBYA) award alumnus Nduduzo Makhathini Triowith Cuban drummer Francisco Mela, and bassist Zwelakhe-Duma Bell Le Pere featuringOmagugu Makhathini.
There’s also iNkabi Zezwe Reframed, an exciting outfit that features SAMA award-wining trumpeter Ndabo Zulu and the current Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz (SBYA), Linda Sikhakhane.
Music lovers with a lighter and more adventurous palette will love the Lounge Jazz Market.
4EVERJAZZ hosted by Nothemba Madumo will feature percussionist, Thomas Dyani.,along with MARUMO FEMME with Mammello and Kopano.
Theslick sonic selectors on the decks, DJ HAPPY Jas well as Di Castro, along with the inimitable maestroDJ KENZHERO EXPERIENCEfeaturingMelo B Jones on vocals and Drum Machine and Me-Ko on Keys and Trumpet.
Lounge and house heads can also look forward to a uniquely delicious musical experience with the return of Breakfast at Khujosto the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
“We have been a sponsor and partner to the Joy of Jazz for over 20 years, and we are immensely proud to be affiliated with an event of such high quality. We’re excited about this world-class festival’s future and our continued association with Johannesburg’s premier jazz event – it is cause for celebration and a tribute to the city. Since its inception in 1997, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival has provided a platform for African artists to join the world stage along with global icons,” says Yolisa Koza Head of Brand Experience at Standard Bank.
She adds: “Bringing international artists to local audiences is as important to us as nurturing and growing local jazz talent: The 2023 Joy of Jazz will bring jazz enthusiasts the best of both.
Standard Bank is committed to supporting the arts as we recognise the importance of encouraging creative expression, engagement and social interaction. We have seen the role that the arts play in meaningfully growing and transforming people and communities.”
Music lovers are in for treat during a two-day affair.
“We feel very excited about this year’s festival offering. It allows us to reconnect with our patrons and jazz lovers everywhere with the same passion and excitement they are used to. This year feels like we are really back and have turned the page on the interruption of the pandemic years, much more than last year,” says the bubbly festival producer, Mantwa Chinoamadi.
Full Ticket Prices:
R950 Day Pass
R1800 Weekend Pass
Early Bird discount which ends on 30th August 2023:
R875 Day Pass
R1750 Weekend Pass
Dates: 29 and 30 September 2023
Top image (Swiss and Grammy award winner Andreas Vollenweider is headed to SA for the annual Joy of Jazz in September).
