This, according to the artist, comes at a pivotal moment as he is currently riding the momentum of his critically acclaimed debut album, Polymorphism, released just last week.
The 11-track project, which showcases a range of styles and moods, has cemented Athi as a distinctive new voice in the South African music landscape.
Cape Town underground to main stage
The independent musician Internet Athi has steadily built a following in the city’s jazz and neo-soul circles. His sound combines South African jazz, R&B, and experimental black improvisation, resulting in a style that feels both fresh and rooted in tradition.
Known for his reflective and emotionally rich songwriting, Athi often touches on topics such as identity, love, grief, and masculinity with striking vulnerability.
His breakout track “Wena” first gained nationwide traction, and subsequent singles like “Nguwe”—a tender love song—continued to showcase his warm, soulful voice, earning comparisons to the sophisticated sound that has become his signature.
Athi’s passion for live shows has previously led him to perform alongside the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Langa Mavuso, Jimmy Nevis, and The Brother Moves On. His upcoming set at Joy of Jazz will be the biggest festival slot of his career so far.
“Being part of the 27th round of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz for me is an affirmation,” Athi says. As an independent artist, Athi believes this opportunity validates the work that he has been doing for the past eight years.
He has also mentioned that the sounds he has been sampling and playing around with from Jazz legends is close to his sound and takes pride in how far he has come.
Blending heritage and fresh sounds
Internet Athi joins a two-day programme headlined by five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo and celebrated American saxophonist Kamasi Washington.
Athi is set to perform on the same stage as legendary Thandiswa Mazwai, who he describes as someone he listens to daily and looks up to.
The Mbira Stage is described as soul, storytelling and new voices where jazz will blend with neo-soul, poetry and contemporary expression.
“Joy of Jazz has always been about more than just the music,” said festival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi.
“It’s about building bridges between different generations, cultures and places. This year, we’ve carefully shaped a programme that honours our past while fearlessly moving into the future.”
Sharing the stage with Thandiswa Mazwai and Manana (Athi’s top artist every year) is what Athi cannot wait for.
What to expect
Athi assures that his performance will be a really good blend of nostalgic and new sounds, as he wants to show that South Africa is where it’s at and his music as well is really where it’s at.
“I will continue writing, and I really want to take my music far and wide into bigger stages and also in the townships that I come from, to the rural areas as well,” Athi mentioned.
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- Cape Town-based singer-songwriter Internet Athi will perform at the 27th Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival in September, coinciding with the release of his debut album *Polymorphism*.
- *Polymorphism* is an 11-track album showcasing a blend of South African jazz, R&B, and experimental improvisation, establishing Athi as a fresh, distinctive voice in South African music.
- Athi, known for emotionally rich songwriting on themes like identity and love, has grown from Cape Town's underground scene to performing alongside notable artists and orchestras.
- The festival's two-day programme features headliners like Angélique Kidjo and Kamasi Washington, with Athi sharing the Mbira Stage with legends including Thandiswa Mazwai.
- Athi aims to blend nostalgic and new sounds in his performance, expressing pride in his heritage and ambition to expand his music to larger stages and communities beyond urban centers.
Known for his reflective and emotionally rich songwriting,
His breakout track “Wena” first gained nationwide traction, and subsequent singles like “
"
He has also mentioned that the sounds he has been sampling and playing around with from Jazz legends is close to his sound and takes pride in how far he has come.
Internet
“Joy of Jazz has always been about more than just the music,” said festival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi.
“It’s about building bridges between different generations, cultures and places.
"I will continue writing, and I really want to take my music far and wide into bigger stages and also in the townships that I come from, to the rural areas as well,"
Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content
