It features established and emerging jazz exponents from all walks of life, be it local and international.
Mzansi’s premier jazz takes place at its homage Sandton Convention Centre from November 25 to 26.
The line-up mostly comprising of local acts and the three-day programme was unveiled in Sandton this week, were the likes of legendary and cool ‘outopie’ bra Sipho “Hostix” Mabuse, honoured the invitation.
Jazz lovers will be immersed in the likes of baritone Dumza Maswana at the Conga stage, with wondrous set Celebrating African Song performing with an all-star band on impeccable instrumentalists, pianist Andile Yenana, bassist Shane Cooper and drummer Sakhi Nompozolo alongside reedman Sisonke Xonti with hornsman Sakhile Simani, and Thandeka Mfinyongo on Uhadi.
Songwriter, Mandisi Dyantyis will lift audiences up with his infectious hymns.
The band, Mahube with Music From Southern Africa features saxophonist Steve Dyer (South Africa), vocalists Muneyi and Siya Makuzeni (South Africa) and Xixel Langa (Mozambique) along with mbira Hope Masike (Zimbabwe).
Multi award winning pianist and composer, Bokani Dyer’s Project Radio Sechaba will premier at jazz stage for the first time.
Saxophonists and composers of his generation, Linda Skhakhane, with a high-powered quintet that includes pianist Afrika Mkhize, drummer Sphelelo Mazibuko, bassist Benjamin Jephta and Siphamandla Dlamini, will feature at the Dinaledi Stage presented by 702.
Well-liked and Lesotho born saxophonist Budaza will pay fitting tribute to the ‘Village Pope’, Tshepo Tshola; this set along with the performance by prodigiously gifted songstress, Maleh featuring Leomile and Lioness will hold up the musical flag for Lesotho’s musical marvels.
In another notable salutation, Gloria Bosman will lead a glorious celebration of the music and legacy of the late grand matriarch of song, Sibongile khumalo.
The Horn Summit, A Tribute to Bra Johnny Mekoa will honour the great trumpet maestro and founder of the Music Academy of Gauteng. The tribute performance will feature Mekoa’s former colleagues and some of the great alumni of his music school.
These include saxophonists Khaya Mahlangu and Mthunzi Mvubu, trumpeters Sydney Mavundla and Prince Lengoasa, trombonist Malcom Jiyane, pianist Mongezi Conjwa and bassist Steven Mabona along with Hendrick Mojeki on vocals.
The 23rd edition of JoJ, will also see the musical magic of the people of Mozambique by Maputo’s own Moreira Chonguiça with Irmandade (Brotherhood) featuring Jaco Maria.
The guitar wizard of Maputo, Jimmy Dludlu will also ascend to the Conga Stage to wow jazz lovers with his singular sound.
High on demand and multiple award winner SA pop Msaki and the Golden Circle are set to showcase their respective prowess.
Charl Duplesis will feature the masterful Ziza Muftic and Thandi Ntuli in a thrilling collaborative experience.
The Mbira Stage-powered by Sampra will showcase some of the musical mavericks defining mzansi’s soundscape beyond the purview of the confines of genre, Thandiswa Mazwai, Brenda Mtambo Re-Framed, Press and The Gathering With Ntsika.
“We see this as the year of recovery for us as a festival, but also for the whole local music ecosystem. The industry has been under severe strain for the past two years.
We’ve chosen to use this year’s festival as a catalytic investment in the recovery for local talent. Joy of Jazz has also been a central platform for the development of jazz talent over the past 23 years.
As we rebuild from the hiatus of the pandemic we thought it prudent to prioritise local music and talent,” says festival producer, Mantwa Chinoamadi-Mutsinya.
For more on tickets, programmes and artists go to www.joyofjazz.co.za
Image provided (Swagger. Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse- middle- in the company of other guests at the launch in Sandton on Wednesday).
