WITH only hours before the 25th Standard Bank JoJ kicking off at Sandton Convention Center, as precursor to the fest, behind the scenes a lot is unfolding.
Scheduled from September 27 to 28, boasting local and international jazz exponents, there is an exhibition showcasing the festival’s 25-year history.
Told through the lens and vision of its founder, Peter Tladi, the exhibition narrates the story of jazz music as a transformative cultural force in our developing democracy, and one man’s creative vision to build a formidable lifestyle brand and an international musical platform.
The exhibition will comprise iconic photographs, artefacts, and other archive treasures drawn from a quarter century of the annual event curated by Dr Same Mdluli, curator of the Standard Bank Art Gallery.
Jazz lovers will discover the magical moments that comprise Tladi’s myriad interactions with global stars and world leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs who have all formed part of the 25-year history of the JoJ.
Festival ticket holders will be able to visit the exhibition installation on the 3rd floor of the Sandton Convention Centre for the duration of th fest.
Visitors can also join Mdluli and photographer well-known Siphiwe Mhlambi on a walkabout of the exhibition at 30 Baker Street, Rosebank on 26th at 14:00. (Meet in the atrium to the join the tour).
Festival goers will also have a great opportunity to discover the new book by Mhlambi, titled ‘Rhythms in Black and White: A Virtual Journey Through the World of Jazz’, a coffee table compendium comprising jazz photographs taken by him over the years.
“The exhibition aims to create a captivating, informative experience without being overbearingly academic as historical exhibitions can often be.
This is a celebration of both the festival founder, Peter Tladi – whose visionary leadership created this great legacy, and an important moment in our country’s musical history.
The exhibition highlights the contribution of jazz musicians to our shared experiences over the past 25 years in our growing democracy,” says Mdluli.
Taking place in the heart of Africa’s wealthiest square mile Sandton Convention Center, jazz stars and Djs will grace Dinaled Stagei, Conga Stage, Diphaala Stage, Mbira Stage, and Lounge Place, over two nights.
For more information on line-up, programme and ticket prices, go to www.joyofjazz.co.za
