Standard Bank Joy of Jazz line-up brims with both emerging and seasoned jazz talent
The announcement launch party for the festival, which will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre September 25-26, was held on Wednesday at new live music venue Hugh’s in Braamfontein, Johannesburg CBD.
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
The launch announcement and party in many respects, happened at a perfect venue, and the timing was equally perfect for me personally, as I have always wanted to see this new live music venue in Johannesburg CBD, that since its launch last year, everyone has not stopped talking about. However, as it were, I missed the launch of Hugh’s last year. A new venue for live jazz in Braam. But on Wednesday, it was my day to have a date with Hugh’s. Not only did I enjoy the alluring atmosphere of the venue –perfect lighting, and a stage that makes everyone wish they too should have listened to their inner when they were young to try their hand in music, but more, including reconnecting with old friends and the industry network after a long time. Co-hosted by actress and singer Lerato Mvelase and poet Le.
But most importantly, Standard Bank Joy of jazz this year has an almost perfect line up of jazz artists, a dream line up or those attuned to contemporary jazz sounds from both young, emerging talent, and those polished and widely appreciated for their artistry. What was unveiled on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, of some of thecurrent leading voices in jazz, locally and from Overseas.
I mean, who would not want in terms of new local voices in jazz such as Tumi Mogorosi and Gabi Motuba, both of whom are not only jazz musicians, but also life partners, to book a ticket at this year’s concert. Both are talented artists sure to impress music fans at thr festival. However each artistwill perform individual shows at Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, although they are known for collaborating in each other’s individual shows from time to time.
Motuba’s musicality has been elevated recently, as she has been picked for the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for 2026, and with newly introduced status within her profile, this should encourage her to go all out and in a way demonstrate why the adjudicators of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz felt she is deserving to join this prestigious leg of winners, almost all of whom have gone on to achieve great feats in their musical journeys.
However, at this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, there is so much talent to choose to watch, maybe, even a bit too much for those who would want to watch as many acts as they can, therefore calling for one to think through carefully how they plan to experience the concert this year.
The 2026 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival marks its 27th year as one of Africa’s premier live music experiences, returning to the Sandton International Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Over nearly three decades, the festival has grown into a cultural and economic force, evolving from an intimate gathering of just 1,800 attendees in 2000 to over 25,000 festivalgoers annually today, cementing its place as a cornerstone of South Africa’s live music calendar.
The organisers has rightly framed this year’s edition as both a celebration and a reflection, honouring the roots of South African jazz while embracing its evolution.
“Joy of Jazz has always been about more than performance. It’s about creating moments of connection across generations, cultures and geographies. This year, we are intentional about curating a programme that reflects where we come from, while boldly stepping into where we’re going,” says Mantwa Chinoamadi, Festival Producer.
The festival also aligns with two defining national milestones; the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising and the 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March. These moments frame a programme that is as meaningful as it is musically rich.
“Standard Bank’s long-standing support of Joy of Jazz reflects our continued commitment of nurturing African excellence and preserving cultural heritage. As champions of the arts, we believe the platform continues to showcase the depth, diversity and global relevance of African jazz, while contributing meaningfully to the creative economy.
“Each year, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz consistently presents the truest and most authentic jazz programming on the continent. As a bank we are proud to make art possible and in doing so, make jazz possible. And that’s in all the senses: to create, to showcase, and to make it more accessible,” says Standard Bank Group Head of Sponsorship, Bonga Sebesho.
Beyond the stage, Joy of Jazz plays a significant role in driving economic activity and supporting the creative sector. The festival has historically generated over R34.5 million in direct spending, contributed approximately R86 million to the Gauteng economy and created more than 1,200 temporary and permanent jobs across the value chain. At a broader level, major cultural festivals like Joy of Jazz contribute to a sector that adds billions to South Africa’s GDP annually, reinforcing the role of the arts as both a cultural and economic driver.
“What makes Joy of Jazz unique is its ability to create shared value for artists, audiences, small businesses and the broader economy. It’s not just a festival; it’s an ecosystem,” adds Chinoamadi.
The inclusion of initiatives like the Jazzy Joburg Market, which supports over 25 SMMEs annually, further strengthening its impact on local entrepreneurship and tourism.
This year’s line-up brings together a compelling mix of international icons and South African greats. Global highlights include Angélique Kidjo and acclaimed saxophonist Kamasi Washington, who will perform at the Joy of Jazz Festival for the first time.
On home soil, the festival continues to prioritise collaboration and storytelling through music. Among the highlights are; Themba and Afrika Mkhize presenting Reflections of Mzansi Big Band, Thandiswa Mazwai who will honour Bra Hugh Masekela, Khaya Mahlangu who will pay tribute to Kippie Moeketsi and 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners Gabi Motuba (jazz) and Manana (music) to showcasing their new work.
“Honouring Bra Hugh is deeply personal. His music shaped not just jazz, but the spirit of this country. To reinterpret his work on this stage is both an honour and a responsibility,” says Thandiswa Mazwai.
Dinaledi Stage: The Heartbeat of Jazz Innovation
The Dinaledi Stage anchors the festival with large-scale, high-impact performances. Highlights will include Ibrahim Maalouf, McCoy Mrubata, Judith Sephuma, and a special tribute to Kippie Moeketsi led by Khaya Mahlangu.
British-Nigerian singer-songwriter, Ola Onabule, will showcase tunes from his broad repertoire and latest album Proof of Life released last year. Wrapping up the Dinaledi stage will be the inimitable baritone vocalist Dumza Maswana presenting Umngqunqgo Orchestral Experience, an epic ensemble including a 20-piece orchestra delivering indigenous rhythm, jazz and spiritual storytelling.
Diphala Stage: Women, Voice and Musical Leadership
The Diphala Stage spotlights exceptional vocalists and instrumentalists, with a strong emphasis on women leading the narrative. Performances will include Nubya Garcia, Gabi Motuba and Lorraine Klaasen.
In the spirit of heroines, Lorraine Klaasen, an incredible singer and the daughter of legendary singer, the late Thandi Klaasen who immortalised Sophiatown, will visit from Canada where she is based. Her performances are a rare treat for audiences who may not have seen her before on home soil.
A standout concept this year is “4 Bass Lines”, featuring four women bassists – AusTebza, Rochelle Rautenbach, Chantal Willie-Petersen and Orlanda Da Conceição.
“This project is a celebration of women occupying space boldly in jazz not as supporting acts, but as architects of sound and direction,”adds Chinoamadi.
Conga Stage: Rhythm, Energy and African Influence
The Conga Stage celebrates rhythm-driven, high-energy performances rooted in African musical traditions.
Audiences can look forward to Tank and the Bangas, Reza Khota, Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba, among others.
Saxophonist Sydney Mavundla will present a live performance of his album, Dirge of our Fathers, a tribute to musicians and elders who paved the way for his generation. Always known for coming up with creative projects, drummer Tumi Mogorosi will present Thank You For Your Service Quartet with UK-saxophonist Soweto Kinch and Neil Charles, Max Baloyi and Muhammed Dawjee. Wrapping up the Conga stage is trumpeter Ndabo Zulu, presenting his band of regular collaborators, the highly talented Umgidi Ensemble with Nduduzo Makhathini, Daliso Ndlazi, Sphelelo Mazibuko, Gonste Makhene, Linda Sikhakhane ft. Muneyi and Paras Dlamini.
Mbira Stage: Soul, Storytelling and New Voices
The Mbira Stage blends jazz with neo-soul, poetry and contemporary expression. This year will feature Floetry, Nomfusi, Anaïs Rosso and a special tribute to Busi Mhlongo, performed by singers Buhlebendalo Mda, Zawadi YaMungu and Xolisa Dlamini.
Rising star French singer and guitarist, Anaïsguitarist Anaïs Rosso, draws influences from Congolese Rumba, blues, electronic and indie-pop. Our very own songstress Nomfusi is known widely for her afro-soul compositions.
Established voices such as Internet Athi and Manana (presenting something unique for audiences as the Standard Bank Youth Award winner for Music this year), will bring fresh energy to the programme. The awards recognize and celebrate their artistry, offering an added platform that supports their trajectory to the next stage of their careers. For something more upbeat Gurulogic is a Soweto group that brings together deephouse, acid jazz and often features several vocalists and instrumentalists. One not to be missed for fans, will be iconic singer Thandiswa Mazwai who will wrap up this stage with her renditions of Hugh Masekela’s songbook.
The 2026 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is more than a music festival. It is a cultural and economic catalyst. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster:
● R1 150 – Friday/Saturday Day Pass, General Admission
● R2 250 – Weekend Pass | Friday and Saturday
Standard Bank cardholders qualify for up to 15% discount. The offer is limited to two tickets per person, and only on usage of a valid Standard Bank debit, cheque or credit card and is subject to availability (Ts & Cs apply).
And so this’s festival is likely to attract both young new audience because of its fairly balanced line-up that includes emerging new talent and seasoned and tested jazz musicians, both from South Africa and overseas.
And so let us meet at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival at Sandton Convention Centre, September 25 -26.