WeeklySA_AdminCALENDAR: Despite poor weather, thousands turned out at the Johannesburg Zoo as the annual concert delivered a vibrant mix of music, culture and community spirit…
By Jacob Mawela
Steady rain did little to dampen the spirit of music lovers who gathered at the Johannesburg Zoo for the fourth edition of the popular Jazz in the Lights concert on Human Rights Day (March 21).
Armed with camp chairs, picnic baskets and umbrellas, revellers from across the city descended on the Forest Town venue, united by a shared love of jazz and an unmistakable sense of camaraderie that carried through the downpour.
Held under the City of Johannesburg’s Arts Alive Programme, the event continues to evolve as a modern-day successor to the much-loved Jazz on the Lake, repositioned for a new generation and a different season on the city’s cultural calendar.
This year’s edition also saw Joburg Tourism come on board, reinforcing the festival’s growing stature as both a cultural and economic platform. The agency highlighted its role in supporting small businesses, job creation and artist development, while positioning Johannesburg as a leading destination for lifestyle and entertainment.
And the crowd responded in kind. With a visible police presence ensuring safety, the atmosphere remained festive and orderly as a diverse line-up of local and international performers kept audiences engaged well into the evening.
Artists including Dumza Maswana, Andile Yenana, Afrika Mkhize, Malcolm Jiyane, Msaki and Mozambique-born guitarist Jimmy Dludlu delivered rich, layered performances that resonated across generations.
As night fell, the concert reached its peak. Dludlu electrified the audience with his signature Afro-jazz fusion, at one point stepping off the stage to perform among the crowd — a moment that dissolved the barrier between artist and audience and drew an ecstatic response.
Msaki, blending folk, soul and African influences, followed with a stirring set that carried the rain-soaked crowd into a shared musical trance, underscoring the festival’s emotional pull.
Beyond the music, the event doubled as a marketplace and social hub. Craft stalls, food vendors and lifestyle activations reflected the festival’s broader economic impact, offering opportunities for local traders while enhancing the overall experience. City officials and cultural figures mingled with attendees, reinforcing the event’s role as both a social and artistic gathering point within Johannesburg’s cultural landscape.
Yet, for all its success, one notable element was missing. The signature kaleidoscopic lighting display — a hallmark of the festival — was absent this year, leaving some first-time attendees without one of the event’s defining visual spectacles.
Still, if anything, the rain only amplified the experience. Under umbrellas and stage lights, the concert proved once again that its true power lies not just in performance, but in its ability to bring people together — whatever the weather.
