South Africa’s foremost jazz feast Standard Bank Joy of Jazz ready to rock audiences this year over three days
By Citylife Arts Reporter
South Africa’s foremost jazz festival, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, is returning this year, ready to delight music enthusiasts over a three day period at its traditional venue, The Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
The lineup of artists for this year was unveiled in Sandton earlier this week. Scheduled for September 26 to 28, the 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz will showcase over 60 musicians from 15 countries across three continents. Across all stages, the 2025 Joy of Jazz promises an extraordinary exploration into the essence and evolution of jazz.
At the Dinaledi Stage, the festival will spotlight powerful female voices. Multi-Grammy award winning bassist and composer, Esperanza Spalding (USA), along with Thandi Ntuli (SA), Blk Elijah and The Children of Moroë featuring special guests Sipho Hotstix Mabuse and Om Alec Khaoli, will hit the stage. Alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin (USA), Nomfundo Xaluva, and Tshepo Mngoma (SA) will present ‘Strings with Soul,’ alongside Steve Dyer (SA) ‘s Vision of Ubuntu,’ featuring Amazwi Choir.
Siya Makuzeni’s Big Band (SA), featuring drummer Sphelelo Mazibuko, bassist Dalisu Ndlazi, pianist Bokani Dyer, Mpumi Dhlamini, and a host of talented musicians including Mthunzi Mvubu, Simon Manana, Phumlani Mtiti, Sisonke Xonti, Muhammad Dawjee, Sydney Mavundla, Sibusiso Mkhize, Ndabo Zulu, Sthembiso Bhengu, and Senzo Ngcobo will provide entertainment. Standard Bank Young Artist alumni Andile Yenana will also display his talent at the Dinaledi stage, joined by guitarist Cameron Ward.
Mantwa Chinoamadi, Chief Executive Officer of T-Musicman and producer of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, stated: ‘The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz lineup aims to do more than celebrate exceptional music. We intend to focus on portraying and solidifying the SBJOJ as Africa’s premier jazz event, firmly grounded in South Africa’s rich and diverse musical heritage, balancing the expectations of jazz connoisseurs while creating exhilarating entry points for novice jazz aficionados. We are excited about the directions in which younger musicians are steering the music while recognizing the remarkable contributions of today’s leading female artists in this genre.’
At the Diphala Stage, The Baylor Project (USA), a husband-and-wife jazz duo, will perform alongside the Hakan Basar Trio (Turkey), Michelangelo Scandroglio, drummer Bernardo Guerra, Peter Auret Trio (SA), and Najponk Trio (Czech Republic). Anticipate SA’s Kyle Shepherd Trio, led by Shepherd himself with bassist Shane Cooper and drummer Jonno Sweetman. Jazzmeia Horn (USA) and French-Canadian pianist Simon Dezart will serve as delightful attractions for lovers of innovative jazz vocals. Siya ‘Jazzmatic’ Charles (SA), a trombonist, will also grace the stage, rooted in tradition, alongside Phinda Matlala (SA) and Ncesh Nonxishi (SA), promising to be a revelation on the grand stage.
Leading the Conga Stage will be Oumou Sangaré (Mali) and Meshell Ndegeocello (USA), along with Gabi Motuba (SA), Alune Wade (Senegal), and Steve Bedi from Ghana. In a cross-cultural exchange between South Africa and the Nordic realm, the Ababhemu Quartet (SA/Den/Nor), composed of Swedish saxophonist Karl Martin Almqvist, pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, drummer Ayanda Sikadea, and Norwegian bassist Magne Thormodsaeter, will entertain the audience.
The Swiss Big Band, Fischermanns Orchestra (Switzerland), brings their expansive acoustic sound to Johannesburg. Jazz enthusiasts can anticipate a celebration of Mzansi’s unique guitar legacy, deeply rooted in Mamelodi, by Guitar Convergence (SA) featuring Moss Mogale, Vusi Mahlasela, and Billy Monama.
”While jazz will always pay tribute to its origins, it is inherently a music of creativity and advancement. With over 40 years dedicated to supporting the arts, we are thrilled with the 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz lineup—an homage to transcendent stars, iconic jazz legends, a vibrant showcase of Standard Bank Young Artist awardees, and a daring mix of styles designed to resonate with diverse audiences. This year, we are particularly proud to celebrate the powerful and lasting contributions of women in jazz—whose voices and artistry continue to shape the narrative of this genre,’ said Yolisa Koza, Head of Brand Experience.
The Mbira Stage will showcase José James and Sings Badu (USA), Amanda Black,
KB Motsilanyane, Sylent Nqo (Zimbabwe), Berita, Tresor, Velemseni (Eswatini), and Lesotho born Leomile, Mondli Ngcobo, Elaine, The Muses, Beyond Vocal, and Muneyi.