WeeklySA_AdminROOTS: More than 60 musicians from across 15 countries and three continents set to ignite the music extravaganza…
By Priscilla Malinga
The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, whose scintillating line-up is set to wow jazz audiences at this year’s 26th edition, will feature three days of unmissable live music for the time since its inception.
The annual jazz experience will be deepening jazz’s enduring spirit and timeless sound through the captivating line-up. It will celebrate the voices of virtuoso women and jazz’s African roots while noting the music’s rich cultures of collaboration.
Scheduled to take place as usual at the Sandton International Convention Centre from September 26 to 28, the show will bill more than 60 musicians from across 15 countries and three continents. Audiences can look forward to inspired musical pairings, innovative set concepts, and special one-off performances designed to ig nite the soul.
The 4 stages will reverberate with star-studded performances, with the Dinaledi stage especially graced by such favourites as Esperanza Spalding, Thandi Ntuli, Andile Yenana, Lakecia Benjamin from the USA, Siya Makuzeni Big Band, which features drummer Sphelelo Mazibuko, bassist Dalisu Ndlazi, pianist Bokani Dyer, Mpumi Dhlamini, alto-saxophonists Mthunzi Mvubu, Simon Manana and Phumlani Mtiti, tenor men Sisonke Xonti and Muhammad Dawjee, trumpeters Sydney Mavundla, Sibusiso Mkhize, Ndabo Zulu, Sthembiso Bhengu and Senzo Ngcobo on trombone, Benjamin Jephta Quintet and Tshepo Mngoma.
“The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz line-up is focused on more than celebrating great music. We wanted to keep our eye on projecting and cementing the SBJOJ Africa’s premier jazz event that is rooted in South Africa’s undeniably rich and varied musical traditions, balancing the demands of jazz connoisseur patrons while creating exciting entry points for the novice jazz lovers too.
We are excited about where younger musicians are taking the music, whilst acknowledging the incredible voices of leading women of the music today,” says Mantwa Chinoamadi, CEO at T-Musicman, the producer of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
The Diphalala Stage will exude the spirit of collaboration in the ilk of The Baylor Project from USA, a New York based, husband and wife jazz duo. Pianist with an exuberance and fluidity often compared with greats of yore, Hakan Basar Trio from Turkey, will be playing alongside bassist Michelangelo Scandroglio and drummer, Bernardo Guerra.They will be brilliantly balanced by drummer-led outfit Peter Auret Trio from SA, Najponk Trio from Czech Republic. Kyle Shepherd Trio from SA, led by pianist Kyle Shepherd with bassist Shane Cooper and drummer Jonno Sweetman, is easily the longest-running trio of their generation with impeccable musical message and clarity of vision.
Siya “Jazzmatic” Charles from SA, a trombonist, composer and arranger will also grace the stage with their presence.
Rooted in the grand tradition that intersects the expressive songs, the black church and the women’s work hymns and spirituals of our subcontinent, Phinda Matlala from SA along with Ncesh Nonxishi also from SA will be a revelation on the grand stage.
The global Pan-African vision of jazz and its myriad roots and routes will find undeniable affirmation and celebration on the Conga Stage. Leading with the undisputed griot matriarch of Wassoulou music, Oumou Sangaré from Mali, and the genre defying musical visionary Meshell Ndegeocello from USA, The consistently courageous creative voice in South African jazz, Gabi Motuba SA will present The Sabbath; Other elements of the west African sound palette will be represented by Senegalese bass virtuoso Alune Wade from Senegal and the black star reedman, and Steve Bedi from Ghana.
Yolisa Koza, Standard Bank’s head of brand experience, said: “While jazz will always pay homage to its roots, it is, by its very nature, a music of innovation, and forward momentum. With over 40 years of championing the arts, we are thrilled by the 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz line-up — a celebration of transcendent stars, legendary jazz greats, a vibrant showcase of Standard Bank Young Artist awardees, and a bold, eclectic mix of styles designed to resonate with diverse audiences”.
Mbira stage, the festival’s light hearted sing-along stage, will lead with the jazz vocalist most in touch with the pulse of the hip-hop generation, José James Sings Badu from USA.
The afro-pop songstress, Amanda Black, with the singular voice of the post-kwaito generation KB Motsilanyane, Sylent Nqo from Zim and the Noisemakers, and multi-award-winning Congolese crooner Tresor, the rising singer-songwriter from Eswatini, Velemseni; and R&B rising star Maseru Leomile from Lesotho. Other artists include Berita, Mondli Ngcobo, Elaine, The Muses and Beyond Vocal all from South Africa, who will serve as powerful tools for cultural storytelling, while Muneyi, Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for 2025, will be weaving stories of heritage, healing and identity through a soulful blend of folk, indigenous sounds, and contemporary artistry.
Tickets are available at Computicket. All Standard Bank cardholders can qualify for a discount of up to 15%. The offer is limited to two tickets per person, and only on usage of a valid Standard Bank debit, cheque or credit card.
Tickets range from R1 350 for a day pass, R 2 250 for a 2-day pass, which is Friday & Saturday and/or Saturday & Sunday, and R3 250 for the entire weekend pass.
