Immersive musical experience at Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
Lizz Wright and Chris Botti were also billed for a second performance. While we look forward to Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2025, as for me, I’m still digesting the music I soaked in the past two days.
Funeka Bambalele
For two days, Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, which is regarded as one of the biggest jazz gigs in Africa, brought fans of all types to rub shoulders with jazz aficionados under one roof.
The event took place on Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Friday September 27, 2024 and Saturday September 28, 2024.
This year’s edition was once again a fantastic time to be had. There was an abundance of talent on all the stages and while getting to see a few regular performers.
The musicianship, the live collaborations and the overall vibe was excellent.
The jazz music variations were a combination of relaxing, upbeat, fast and erratic sounds which transports you as a listener to a different time and place.
As much as the music was great our patience was tested especially when the program was running behind time on Friday. Artists took time to come on stage.
Moving right along, South African jazz vocalist Tutu Puoane who is based in Belgium is one of the artists who kicked us off on a high note. With that mellow voice, Puoane was just amazing. In other stages, the legend Joe Nina kept people dancing with those classic hits.
At Dinaledi Stage, which is the biggest stage of the festival, The Chucho Valdes Royal Quartet from Cuba/USA opened the show. Valdes and fellow musicians gave a magnificent performance. With a carrier spanning for over 50 years, Valdes was amazing.
After the band, vocalist Sibongile Mngoma and her band took to the stage to excite music lovers.
As much as artists like Bongeziwe Mabandla have been around it was a first time seeing him performing live on a big stage. He was amazing and he has this loyal niche audience that love his music.
Artists like Sibusiso Mashiloane, Jessica Pina, Spha Mdlalose, Metthew Halsall among other excited the audience with their performance. Mashiloane literally hogged the stage.
The set of the night went to Japanese pianist and composer, Keiko Matsui, not because I have a soft spot for her but she is such a great performer. From the moment she started twinkling the piano keys she took us from new age mood music to funky swing and to discordant jazz.
Matsui mostly played the piano, and in some songs, she played keyboard and melodica.
She endeared herself among locals when she introduced one of SA’s most talented but underrated Nokukhanya Dlamini. As, usual Dlamini, who is versatile vocally sang the song with much easy.
Another amazing combination was American singer Lizz Wright and guest artist Brenda Mtambo who both delivered a powerful and yet soul-stirring performance.
There was something unique about Chris Botti’s audience. It consisted mostly of old timers and tannies as well as young people. It is a fact that Botti is one of the finest trumpeters and he can blow his horn. On Friday night he was at his best.
On Saturday, the fun continued with the likes of Ihhashe Elimhlophe, the maskandi icon performing at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
Lizz Wright and Chris Botti were also billed for a second performance. While we look forward to Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2025, as for me, I’m still digesting the music I soaked in the past two days.