The 2024 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (SBJOJ) is poised to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a stellar line-up of performances that befits Africa’s foremost jazz festival.

• This landmark event is scheduled to take place on 27 September to 28 September 2024, at the Sandton Convention Centre.
• This year’s SBJOJ will feature over 50 world-class musicians from more than 10 countries, performing across five stages over two days.
• The festival aims to showcase the diverse accents of jazz from the African continent, Europe, East Asia, and the Americas.
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The festival will feature performances by rising stars alongside jazz giants who have previously headlined the festival, ensuring a dynamic and memorable experience for all attendees.

Headlining the event is Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Chris Botti, who will perform alongside other trumpet greats such as UK-based producer and hornsman Matthew Halsall, South Africa’s own Feya Faku, and the current jazz category Standard Bank Young Artist (SBYA) awardee, trumpeter Darren English. The virtuoso pianist Kenny Banks Jr. from the USA will also grace the stage, along with the legendary Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés and his Royal Quartet. SBYA alumni and versatile song stylist Sibongile Mngoma, along with bassist and composer Victor Masondo, are set to deliver captivating performances.

On the Conga Stage, a unique collaboration will see Japanese pianist Keiko Matsui performing with South African guest artist Nokukhanya Dlamini. Rising composer and pianist Sibusiso Mashiloane will present his latest project, ‘Izibongo’, while the gifted composer and vocalist Mandisi Dyantyis will return to serenade fans with his blend of roots and jazz. Trinidad and Tobago’s Siparia Deltones will present music collaborated and recorded with the late Hugh Masekela, and Tutu Puoane will join the celebration with her South African and Belgian influences. Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara, who first performed at SBJOJ with Oumou Sangare, will also make a much-anticipated return.

The Diphala Stage will feature an epoch-marking collaboration between American vocalist Lizz Wright and South African guest artist Brenda Mtambo. Other notable performances include those by vocalists Spha Mdlalose and Mimi Mtshali, Portuguese trumpeter Jessica Pina, and South Korean drummer Sven Rozier with Dutch trumpeter Ellister van der Molen. Youthful keyboard wizard Mpumi Dhlamini will present “Tribute of Note,” and Karen Devroop will complete the ensemble.

On the Mbira Stage, a tribute to the late Oliver Mtukudzi will feature Samantha Mtukudzi, Maduvha Madima, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and Mbeu. Joe Nina will collaborate with The South African Air Force Band, promising a performance full of surprises. The beloved songstress Maleh will also return by popular demand.

South African icon Thandiswa Mazwai will perform her new project, Sankofa, with the Senegalese band that originally recorded the music. More South African stars such as MiCasa, Vusi Nova, and Mafikizolo, along with Iphupho L’ka Biko and Bongiziwe Mabandla, will contribute to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.

Finally, the Lounge Stage will explore the experimental edge of jazz and electronic music, featuring Groove Street by Lulo Café, Black Love hosted by Just Themba, and the evolving music movement What Is Wrong with Grooving, presented by DJ Kenzhero, Nothemba Madumo, and Tha Muzik.

We are heartened and energized by the milestone of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz turning 25 years. We have been blessed to consistently showcase the best in class jazz and lifestyle from South Africa and the world. It underscores the festival not only as a premier jazz event on the African continent but 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.

// Producer of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Mantwa Chinoamadi

As the festival celebrates its 25th year, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz remains a beacon of musical excellence and cultural exchange, continuing to elevate jazz as a universal language that bridges continents and cultures.

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