story by Oupa Kekana
The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is turning up the volume on Africa’s premier jazz experience with an exhilarating all-star line-up, bold new programming concepts, and rich artistic collaborations. For the first time, the festival extends to a full three days of unmissable live music, deepening its celebration of jazz’s enduring spirit and timeless sound. The 2025 festival is crafted to celebrate the voices of virtuoso women, centering jazz’s African roots while noting the music’s rich cultures of collaboration
Set to take place on 26-28 September 2025 at the Sandton International Convention Centre, the festival will feature more than 60 musicians from across 15 countries and three continents, all performing in Africa’s most affluent square mile. Audiences can look forward to inspired musical pairings, innovative set concepts, and special one-off performances designed to ignite the soul.
This year, Africa’s Premiere Jazz festival will span over three days, showcasing an expertly curated four-stage offering of amazing Jazz. From intimate, soul-stirring sets to grand ensemble spectacles, the 2025 Joy of Jazz promises an unforgettable journey into the heart and future of jazz.
On the captivating stage of preeminent stars, DINALEDI STAGE, the festival will lead with strong feminine voices. Multi-GRAMMY award winning bassist and composer, Esperanza Spalding (USA), whose latest record with Brazilian Milton Nascimento honors the spirit of friendship. This trans-generational turn is mirrored wonderfully by Thandi Ntuli (SA) with Blk Elijah & The Children Of Moroë featuring Special Guests, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse and Om Alec Khaoli. Enthusiasts of the alto sax will be treated to Lakecia Benjamin (USA), a five-times GRAMMY-nominated New York-based saxophonist with a warm, resonant tone and a unique, varied meld of R&B, jazz, and funk; The singularly gifted singer song-writer, Nomfundo Xaluva (SA) and Tshepo Mngoma (SA) presents Strings With Soul, and grand visionary saxophonist, Steve Dyer (SA) Vision Of Ubuntu Featuring Amazwi8 Choir. The grand sound of Dyer’s project will find fitting balance with SBYA alumni, Siya Makuzeni Big Band (SA) which features drummer Sphelelo Mazibuko, bassist Dalisu Ndlazi, pianist Bokani Dyer, alto-saxophonists Mthunzi Mvubu, Simon Manana and Phumlani Mtiti, tenor men Sisonke Xonti and Muhammad Dawjee, trumpeters Sydney Mavundla, Sibusiso Mkhize, Ndabo Zulu, Sthembiso Bhengu and Senzo Ngcobo on trombone.
Standard Bank Young artist alumni Andile Yenana and Mandla Mlangeni will also showcase his talent on the Dinaledi stage alongside guitarist Cameron Ward, one of the versatile artists of his generation.
“The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz line-up is focused on more than celebrating great music. We wanted to keep our eye on projecting and cementing the SBJOJ Africa’s premier jazz event that is rooted in South Africa’s undeniably rich and varied musical traditions, balancing the demands of jazz connoisseur patrons while creating exciting entry points for the novice jazz lovers too. We are excited about where younger musicians are taking the music, whilst acknowledging the incredible voices of leading women of the music today,” says Mantwa Chinoamadi, CEO at T-Musicman, Producer of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
The DIPHALA STAGE is an ever-compelling case for the adept fan of straight-ahead jazz and the spirit of collaboration with The Baylor Project (USA), a New York based, husband and wife jazz duo. The immensely gifted pianist with an exuberance and fluidity often compared with greats of yore, Hakan Basar Trio (Turkey)alongside bassist Michelangelo Scandroglio and drummer, Bernardo Guerra; They will be brilliantly balanced by drummer led outfit with steady dependability and craft grasp of groove, Peter Auret Trio (SA);Najponk Trio (Czech Republic) will provide East European fine answer to the tightly knit, and intuitively connected small ensemble on offer. Kyle Shepherd Trio (SA) led by pianist Kyle Shepherd with bassist Shane Cooper and drummer Jonno Sweetman is easily the longest-running trio of their generation with impeccable musical message and clarity of vision. Jazzmeia Horn (USA) will be a treat for fans of imaginative jazz vocalists. She has been on a steady rise since winning the Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition in 2015. French-Canadian pianist who produces melodic and rhythmic charge, Simon Denizart (Canada) will open new areas of sound for Joburgers.
Siya “Jazzmatic” Charles (SA), a trombonist, composer and arranger will also grace the stage with their presence. Rooted in the grand tradition that intersects the expressive songs, the black church and the women’s work hymns and spirituals of our subcontinent, Phinda Matlala (SA) along with Ncesh Nonxishi (SA) will be a revelation on the grand stage.
The global Pan-African vision of jazz and its myriad roots and routes will find undeniable affirmation and celebration on the CONGA STAGE. Leading with the undisputed griot matriarch of Wassoulou music, Oumou Sangaré (Mali), and the genre defying musical visionary Meshell Ndegeocello (USA), The most consistently courageous creative voice in South African jazz, Gabi Motuba (SA) will present The Sabbath; Other elements of the west African sound palette will be represented by Senegalese bass virtuoso Alune Wade (Senegal) the black star reedman, Steve Bedi (Ghana).
In an intercontinental explorative collaboration that continues a heritage exchange between South Africa and the nordic world, Ababhemu Quartet (Sa/Den/Nor) made up of Swedish saxophonist Karl Martin Almqvist, pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, drummer Ayanda Sikadea and Norwegian bassist Magne Thormodsaeter. Serving another durable Afro-European route, Swiss Big Band, the Fischermanns Orchestra (Switzerland) bring their large open room sound to jozi.
Jazz lovers can look forward to an exciting celebration of Mzansi’s unique guitar heritage rooted in Mamelodi by Guitar Convergence (SA) with Moss Mogale, Vusi Mahlasela and Billy Monama. The storytelling guitarist and composer, L’wei Netshivhale (SA) celebrates song and sound rooted in the greater Limpopo river basin.
“While jazz will always pay homage to its roots, it is, by its very nature, a music of innovation, and forward momentum. With over 40 years of championing the arts, we are thrilled by the 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz line-up — a celebration of transcendent stars, legendary jazz greats, a vibrant showcase of Standard Bank Young Artist awardees, and a bold, eclectic mix of styles designed to resonate with diverse audiences. This year, we’re especially proud to honour the powerful and enduring contributions of women in jazz — whose voices and artistry continue to shape the story of this music. We hope jazz lovers and curious newcomers alike will be enchanted by the rich, generous, and soul-stirring offerings this year’s festival promises,” says Yolisa Koza, Head of Brand Experience.
MBIRA STAGE, the festival’s lighthearted singalong stage will lead with the jazz vocalist most in touch with the pulse of the hip-hop generation, José James Sings Badu (USA); a refreshing project that keeps up with a cross-genretradition of greats reimagining each other’s songbooks. The much loved afro-pop songstress, Amanda Black (SA); with the singular voice of the post-kwaito generation KB Motsilanyane (SA);Sylent Nqo (Zim) and the Noisemakers, and multi-award-winning Congolese crooner, Tresor (Drc/Sa); the rising singer-songwriter from Eswatini, Velemseni; and the R&B promise of Maseru Leomile (Lesotho).Berita (SA), Mondli Ngcobo (SA), Elaine (SA), The Muses (SA) and Beyond Vocal (SA) will serve as powerful tools for cultural storytelling, while Muneyi (SA) – Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for 2025 – will be weaving stories of heritage, healing, and identity through a soulful blend of folk, indigenous sounds, and contemporary artistry.
The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is a demonstration of moving forward past the 25 years of Africa’s premier jazz festival that was celebrated last year. The festival continues to honour unbroken excellence in music showcasing, celebrating heritage and elegant lifestyle rooted in the noble sound of jazz. Featuring four stages showcasing the best jazz musicians from across Africa and the world, the festival will take over three nights with a series of activations across the city of Johannesburg and the surroundings leading up to the main event.