WeeklySA_AdminBLOCKBUSTER: This year, the event will host over 50 world-class musicians from more than 10 countries…
By Priscilla Malinga
Heritage month September will usher in South Africa’s internationally acclaimed calendar music event – Joy of Jazz – which this year is celebrating 25 years since it started.
The 2024 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (SBJOJ) heralds the milestone with a bold line-up of performances fit for Africa’s premier jazz festival. It is scheduled to take place on September 27 and 28 at the usual venue – the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
This year, the event will host over 50 world-class musicians from more than 10 countries. Artists will perform across five stages over the two days, showcasing jazz music accents from the African continent, Europe, East Asia and America to weave a truly global vision of jazz as a world unifying musical idiom.
Bonga Sebesho, group head of sponsorships at Standard Bank, says the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has been the harmonious heartbeat of their corporate narrative for several years, and its 25th-year celebration promises to be a memorable occasion. This platform reflected the institution’s devotion to creativity, inclusivity, growth and diversity as Africa’s largest bank with a long-standing tradition in the arts.
The festival, not only celebrates the rich tapestry of jazz, but it also serves as a catalyst for cultural exchanges that promote camaraderie through the universal language of music.
The curators have crafted a quarter century instalment with not-to-be-missed musical performances and lifestyle experiences. The performances will feature rising stars, along with jazz giants who previously headlined the festival.
Grammy-Award-winning Chris Botti will perform alongside trumpet giants such as UK-based producer and hornsman Matthew Halsall, Mzansi’s own immaculate Feya Faku, trumpeter Darren English featuring virtuoso pianist, and Kenny Banks Jr (USA).
The unmissable showing by Cuban elder statesmen of jazz piano with a career spanning over 50 years, Chucho Valdes Royal Quartet, will be another highlight – s will be the SBYA alumni and song stylist whose career straddles jazz and classical music, Sibongile Mngoma, along with amazing bassist and composer Victor Masondo.
On the Conga stage, there will be a rare ‘Japan meets South Africa’ collaboration involving pianist Keiko Matsui, who will perform with a guest appearance by Nokukhanya Dlamini. Rising visionary composer and pianist, Sibusiso Mashiloane will present his latest project, “Izibongo”, while the infectious and prodigiously gifted composer and vocalist, Mandisi Dyantyis returns to the SBJOJ stage to serenade fans with his blend of roots and jazz song.
From the Caribbean, the joyous steelband from Trinidad and Tobago, Siparia Deltones, will present the music collaborated and recorded with the late great Hugh Masekela. The jazz vocalist with a career that lives up to the global reach of South African jazz idiom Tutu Puoane (SA-Belgium) too will join the celebration of the SBJOJ quarter century milestone. In a much anticipated presentation of West African flavour of griots, the marvellous contender for Mali’s new queen of song, Fatoumata Diawara returns to the stage where she first performed as backline to the great Oumou Sangare.
The iconic singer songwriter that Hugh Masekela once lauded as the “voice of our generation,” Thandiswa Mazwai returns to SBJOJ with her new project, Sankofa with the Senegalese band that originally recorded the music. More South African musical caffeination will be served by MiCasa, Vusi Nova, and Mafikizolo, while the keeper of the youthful revolutionary spirit of South African protest hymns, Iphupho L’ka Biko will put his stamp on proceedings. To keep things burning in a poetic sense – the prophetic voice of Bongiziwe Mabandla and legend Ihashi Elimhlophe will set the stage on fire.
“We are heartened and energised by the milestone of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz turning 25 years. We have been blessed to consistently showcase the best in class jazz and lifestyle from South Africa and the world. It underscores the festival, not only as a premier jazz event on the African continent, but as a destination event that also drives economic and cultural development in the city and the region. This is an important contribution we wish to grow and deepen into the future,” says Mantwa Chinoamadi, producer of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
