The 2024 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz will commemorate 25 years of unbroken excellence in music showcase, celebration of heritage, and an elegant lifestyle rooted in jazz.
This year, the high-end jazz festival will host over 50 world-class musicians from more than 10 countries. Artists who will mesmerise fans on five stages over two days.
The musical offering will treat jazz lovers to performances by rising stars along with jazz giants who previously headlined the festival.
It is expected to showcase jazz music accents from Africa, Europe, East Asia, and the Americas, to weave a truly global vision of jazz as a world-unifying musical idiom.
The festival turns 25 years old
The Joy of Jazz’s producer, Mantwa Chinoamadi, expressed excitement over the milestone of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz turning 25.
“We have been blessed to consistently showcase the best-in-class jazz and lifestyle from South Africa and the world,” said Chinoamadi.
“It underscores the festival not only as a premier jazz event on the African continent but also as a destination event that also drives economic and cultural development in the city and the region.
“This is an important contribution we wish to grow and deepen into the future.”
Grammy winner Chris Botti will perform alongside trumpet giants such as Matthew Halsall, Feya Faku, Darren English, and Kenny Banks Jr.
Performing on the Conga stage, where there will be a collaboration of Japanese and South African artists, is renowned Asian pianist and composer Keiko Matsui, with local singer and songwriter Nokukhanya Dlamini making a guest appearance.
Sibusiso Mashiloane will share his latest project, and Mandisi Dyantyi returns to serenade fans with his blend of roots and jazz songs.
Thandiswa Mazwai to set stage on fire
In a much-anticipated presentation of the west African flavour of griots, Fatoumata Diawara will take to the stage where she first performed as the backline to the great Oumou Sangare.
The Diphala stage will feature Lizz Wright from the United States, who will be performing with South Africa’s very own Brenda Mtambo.
Thandiswa Mazwai is expected to set the Mbira stage on fire with her new project, Sankofa, with the Senegalese band that originally recorded the music.
The 2024 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz will take place on September 27 and 28 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
