The 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is making a return and this year promises an exhilarating experience for music lovers to feel jazz, everywhere.
The premier festival will take place on September 2 at the Sandton International Convention Centre. The jazz star line-up from across the world was announced on Wednesday.
The two-day festival will consist of four main stages with the Dinaledi Stage headlined by Grammy Award winner, Swiss harpist Andreas Vollenweider and Friends Ayanda Nhlangothi, Vusi Nhlapo, and Vuyo Tshuma.
The Grand Stage will feature Marcus Wyatt and guitar maestro, Ernie Smith.
Robert Glasper will headline The Conga Stage, alongside a league of contemporary jazz giants respected in straight-ahead jazz and their foray into other genres.
Guitarist Billy Monama will pay tribute to Allen Kwela and will be joined by special guests Titi Luzipo and Mimi Mtshali.
In another special tribute, The Hugh Masekela Band, with Leeroy Sauls, Godfrey Mgcina, Fana Zulu, Cameron Ward Johan Mthethwa, Sydney Mavundla, Percy Mbonani, Mluleki Chuma and Selema Mokgothi on vocals will honour the late great trumpeter.
Music lovers can also look forward to a not-to-be-missed offering by the amazingly gifted vocalist and song-stylist, Zoe Modiga.
Carlo Mombelli will thrill fans with his unique angular brand of jazz. Herbie Tsoaeli will present BASSLINE: a project in tribute to the late legendary bassist and jazz pioneer Johnny Dyani. The tribute will feature contemporary bass kings, Viwe Mkizwana and Dalusi Ndlazi.
Sagacious Reedman McCoy Mrubata and Brasskap will ascend the Joy of Jazz stage which includes Hlubi Kwebulana, Lwanda Gogwana, Jabu Magubane, Gareth Harvey, Wandile Molefe, Nhlanhla Radebe, Bernice Boikanyo.
The Mbira Stage will feature an exciting selection of musical entertainers with an appeal to a broad sonic taste spectrum, Zonke, Buhle Bendalo of the soil fame, Max-Hoba will present a tribute to Jabu Khanyile; other soulful singers on the bill include Ami Faku, Langa Mavuso, Samthing Soweto along with the voice of our contemporary political conscience Simphiwe Dana.
iNkabi Zezwe Reframed will feature trumpeter Ndabo Zulu and the current Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz (SBYA), Linda Sikhakhane
“We feel very excited about this year’s festival offering. It allows us to reconnect with our patrons and jazz lovers everywhere with the same passion and excitement they are used to. This year feels like we are really back and have turned the page on the interruption of the pandemic years, much more than last year” said Festival Producer, Mantwa Chinoamadi.
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