SHARE
EZEKIEL PHALANA
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival once again affirmed its position as Africa’s premier jazz celebration, drawing more than 36,000 music lovers to the heart of Sandton for three unforgettable days of rhythm, soul, and artistry.
From the first note to the final standing ovation, this year’s edition was a spectacular testament to the power of live music — bridging generations, genres, and global borders. The festival brought together an eclectic mix of over 60 world-renowned artists from across 15 countries, performing across four main stages Dinaledi, Conga, Mbira, and Diphala each buzzing with energy and emotion.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Audiences were treated to spellbinding performances from an extraordinary roster of talent, including Grammy Award winners and rising local stars. International icons Esperanza Spalding, Oumou Sangaré, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lakecia Benjamin, and Jazzmeia Horn lit up the stages alongside African favourites Thandi Ntuli, Amanda Black, Tresor, and The Baylor Project.
In keeping with its commitment to nurturing the next generation, the festival also proudly featured performances from Standard Bank Young Artist Award recipients celebrating the future of jazz innovation in South Africa.
An Economic and Cultural Celebration
The Joy of Jazz continues to be a cornerstone of Johannesburg’s creative economy. This year’s festival generated an estimated multi-million-rand turnover, boosting local tourism, hospitality, and small business engagement throughout Sandton and beyond.
“Joy of Jazz is more than a festival — it’s a celebration of African excellence and a platform for cultural diplomacy,said Mantwa Chinoamadi Festival Director. “Every note played and every audience member inspired is a reminder of the power of music to connect us all.”
A Festival of the People
Over three vibrant days, audiences exceeding 36,000 filled the city with energy, dancing between stages, and engaging with immersive experiences — from pop-up jam sessions to artisanal markets and interactive music lounges.
Festivalgoer [Insert Name] captured the sentiment best: “Joy of Jazz is not just an event — it’s a heartbeat. You come for the music, but you stay for the feeling.”
Looking Ahead
As the final encore faded into the Johannesburg skyline, one thing became clear the Joy of Jazz is not merely an annual festival, but a living legacy. With each passing year, it continues to honour the past, inspire the present, and shape the future of jazz across the continent.
About Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is Africa’s leading jazz festival, founded in 1998 to celebrate the rich heritage and evolving soundscape of African and global jazz. Held annually in Johannesburg, the festival features a world-class lineup of artists, dynamic stages, and a vibrant fusion of culture, creativity, and community.