WeeklySA_AdminGENERATION: From school bands to rising solo performers, the third Jazz for Young People festival showcased emerging talent while inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in music…
By Jacob Mawela
South Africa’s next generation of musicians took centre stage at the National School of the Arts (NSA) in Braamfontein on Saturday, as the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz’s Jazz for Young People (J4YP) festival celebrated youthful talent, music education and the enduring legacy of the 1976 generation.
Held under the theme “Putting Power Back into the Hands of Youth,” the annual event transformed the NSA campus into a vibrant family festival featuring live performances, educational activities, community engagement and fundraising initiatives for the school. Food stalls, children’s play areas and youth-led programming created an atmosphere that reflected the festival’s mission of empowering young people through music.
Now in its third edition since its launch in 2024, J4YP formed part of this year’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising. The programme was curated by award-winning singer-songwriter Msaki (Asanda Lusaseni), who also conducted workshops at various institutions in the lead-up to the concert.
The day’s programme showcased an impressive line-up of young performers from across Gauteng, including the National School of the Arts Band, Pro Arte Alphen Park Performing and Creative Arts High School, the Music Academy of Gauteng, JSM Academy, the University of the Witwatersrand Jazz Band, Central Johannesburg TVET College, East Rand School of the Arts, Kgutlo Tharo School of the Arts, NU-Bam & The Band, Mahubo Band and Spartan High School.
Against the backdrop of a warm winter’s day, the school’s grounds echoed with jazz, contemporary classics and original performances as mostly teenage musicians demonstrated remarkable confidence and technical ability before an appreciative audience.
Among the standout performers was 17-year-old Tlotliso Nkonoane, a Grade 12 learner at Pro Arte Alphen Park Performing and Creative Arts High School. Displaying vocal maturity well beyond her years, Nkonoane captivated the audience with a spirited rendition of Shania Twain’s 1999 hit Man! I Feel Like a Woman!
Elegantly dressed in a classic little black dress reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the aspiring singer—who also performs under the name Diamond—combined powerful vocals with confident stage presence, drawing comparisons with the electrifying performance style of Tina Turner. During an interview, she revealed ambitions of one day owning her own record label, making her a promising talent to watch.
Nkonoane was backed by an all-female band, with fellow teenagers on bass guitar, keyboards and backing vocals. Vocalists Bokamoso Malahlela and Peo Mokgoko also impressed with polished performances of Judith Sephuma’s Iya Iyo and Amanda Black’s I Do, respectively.
Another highlight was the performance by the 25-piece Orlando West-based JSM Academy, whose musicians held the audience spellbound. The non-profit organisation, established six years ago and operating without external funding, provides Saturday and online music lessons to young people regardless of background.
The academy offers tuition from foundation to intermediate level, with students working towards internationally recognised qualifications through Trinity College London and the Royal Schools of Music. Its commitment to developing young musicians aligns closely with Msaki’s Fetch Your Life Foundation, which mentors young people in underserved communities.
The festival also enjoyed strong support from the SABC, with Radio 2000 and SAfm broadcasting live from the venue. Veteran presenters Bertha Charuma and Ernest “Smoke” Pillay interviewed performers throughout the day, giving the young artists valuable national exposure.
Talk Radio 702 presenter Nothemba Madumo, host of Jazz and Beyond, was also in attendance.
Reflecting on the importance of the event, Madumo said: “It’s a beautiful start for the youngsters as they get to experience what it takes to perform for an audience.” Also present was Peter Tladi, founder of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival and CEO of T-Musicman, accompanied by his wife Jane and Standard Bank’s Head of Brand and Marketing, Yolisa Koza.
Explaining the motivation behind the initiative, Koza said the festival was created to showcase emerging talent while encouraging adults to support the country’s future musicians.
“It is about providing a platform for young talent while encouraging adults to offer their support,” she said.
