Sandton, Gauteng’s financial capital, will be transformed into a mecca for jazz when hundreds of jazz enthusiasts and connoisseurs descend on the Sandton Convention Centre for the annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival this weekend.
The 25th edition of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival promises to be an extraordinary celebration, bringing together world-renowned jazz artists from across the globe for a magical musical experience on 27 and 28 September, featuring two days of captivating performances across four main stages.
Supported by the City of Johannesburg, the festival will showcase the finest talent in jazz, with an electrifying line-up of performances guaranteed to thrill jazz lovers.
As cities around the world compete to make their mark on the global stage, Johannesburg has emerged as a vibrant cultural hub and a top destination for world-class events. Under the leadership of the Government of Local Unity (GLU), the City of Johannesburg is committed to strengthening its brand internationally.
With state-of-the-art facilities, world-class venues, and a wealth of natural beauty, Johannesburg continues to attract investment and foster economic growth for both the city and the nation.
This year, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival will host over 50 world-class musicians from more than 10 countries. Artists will perform across four stages over two days, showcasing jazz music accents from the African continent, Europe, East Asia, and the Americas, weaving a truly global vision of jazz as a unifying musical idiom.
This year’s dazzling line-up includes iconic artists such as Chris Botti (USA), Darren English (SA), Keiko Matsui (Japan), Fatoumata Diawara (Mali), Lizz Wright (USA), Tutu Puoane (SA/Belgium), Sibongile Mngoma (SA), Victor Masondo (SA), Chucho Valdés Royal Quartet (Cuba/USA), Jessica Pina (Portugal), Thandiswa Mazwai (SA), Mandisi Dyantyis (SA), Matthew Halsall (UK), Feya Faku (SA), and many more.
The Acting Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Cllr Jack Sekwaila, highlights the significance of this milestone, both for the city and the nation: “The 25th anniversary of the Joy of Jazz Festival coincides with our celebration of 30 years of democracy in South Africa. There couldn’t be a better way to mark this momentous occasion than by offering jazz lovers an unforgettable experience with some of the world’s finest talent.”
Cllr Sekwaila also emphasises the importance of collaboration: “It’s important to acknowledge that the City of Johannesburg cannot host these major events alone. Our partnerships with the private sector, both established and new, continue to produce excellent results in delivering world-class events and driving economic growth. As we work to attract more investment and create jobs, the Government of Local Unity remains committed to providing essential services.”
This year’s line-up is a testament to the dedication and passion that have built the Joy of Jazz into one of Africa’s premier music festivals.
“We are celebrating the artists who have helped shape this festival over the years, including legends like Thandiswa Mazwai, who will headline alongside other renowned musicians across our four stages: Dinaledi, Conga, Mbira, and Diphala,” says Cllr Sekwaila.
With a line-up that appeals to a wide range of music lovers, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience.
“There’s something for everyone in this line-up. The Joy of Jazz continues to cement its reputation as Johannesburg’s leading jazz festival and one of the best on the continent,” adds Cllr Sekwaila.
The festival attracts both local and international tourists to Johannesburg, contributing to the local economy through spending on accommodation, restaurants, souvenirs, transport, and job creation for artists and others.
Written by Luyanda Lunika
26/09/2024
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