Get Ready to Groove at the 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz!

Get set to groove to sensational tunes at this year’s electrifying Standard Bank Joy of Jazz! The 23rd edition is back, and it’s gearing up to deliver an exciting and unforgettable experience where you’ll Feel the Jazz, Everywhere!

Mark your calendars for 29 and 30 September 2023, as Africa’s premier jazz festival takes over the Sandton International Convention Centre. Prepare to be blown away by a mind-blowing lineup of headlining jazz stars from across the globe, where paying tribute to our rich jazz legacy will be the order of the day.

For two incredible days, the 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz producers have curated an unforgettable show that will reignite your love for jazz and make you feel the music pulsating everywhere! Taking place across four stages, you will be able to enjoy yourself at the:

• Dinaledi Stage
• Conga Stage
• Mbira Stage   
• Market Place

Dinaledi Stage

Get mesmerized on the Dinaledi Stage, featuring the legendary Grammy Award winner and cross-over maestro, Swiss harpist Andreas Vollenweider. Accompanied by friends Ayanda Nhlangothi, Vusi Nhlapo, and Vuyo Tshuma on Vocals, they’ll bring the Mzansi version of the grand doo-wop tradition with an irresistible style. Brace yourself for the Grand Stage, where you’ll witness the astonishing trumpeter, multi-band leader, and composer Marcus Wyatt alongside the guitar virtuoso bred in Kwa Zulu Natal, Ernie Smith.

Conga Stage

Feeling excited already? Prepare for another Grammy Award-winning performance by pianist and composer Robert Glasper on The Conga Stage. He will be alongside a league of contemporary jazz giants renowned for their mastery of straight-ahead jazz and exploring other genres. Brace yourselves as the Quintet led by Alexander Beets takes you on a journey of swing, ballads, standards, and originals soaked in the verve of contemporary jazz. Don’t miss the specially curated tribute performances, where guitarist Billy Monama pays homage to the great Allen Kwela, joined by special guests Titi Luzipo and Mimi Mtshali.

In another heartwarming tribute, The Hugh Masekela Band, featuring Leeroy Sauls, Godfrey Mgcina, Fana Zulu, Cameron Ward, Johan Mthethwa, Sydney Mavundla, Percy Mbonani, Mluleki Chuma, and Selema Mokgothi on vocals, will honour the late great trumpeter. And there’s more to look forward to – the incredibly gifted vocalist and song stylist Zoë Modiga will mesmerise the audience. In addition, the imaginative composer and bassist Carlo Mombelli will thrill fans with his unique angular brand of jazz. Prepare for a high-powered tribute with bassist and composer Herbie Tsoaeli’s BASSLINE, a project dedicated to the late legendary bassist and jazz pioneer Johnny Dyani, featuring contemporary bass kings Viwe Mkizwana and Dalusi Ndlazi. The tribute will be complemented by Titi Lozipho’s heartfelt ode to Gloria Bosman, a timely tribute to the recently departed singer and composer.́

Get ready to swing to the captivating melodies of sagacious reedman McCoy Mrubata and Brasskap on the Joy of Jazz stage, with: 

• Hlubi Kwebulana
• Lwanda Gogwana
• Jabu Magubane
• Gareth Harvey
• Wandile Molefe
• Nhlanhla Radebe
• Bernice Boikanyo

And that’s not all – the multi-award-winning pianist and Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz (SBYA) award alumnus Nduduzo Makhathini Trio, featuring Cuban drummer Francisco Mela and bassist Zwelakhe-Duma Bell Le Pere with Omagugu Makhathini, will take you on a journey of musical magic.

Mbira Stage

The Mbira Stage will offer a diverse selection of musical entertainers that cater to every sonic taste. Enjoy performances by Zonke, Buhlebendalo of The Soil fame, Max-Hoba, and soulful singers like Ami Faku, Langa Mavuso, Samthing Soweto, and the powerful voice of our contemporary political conscience, Simphiwe Dana. Catch iNkabi Zezwe Reframed, an exciting outfit featuring SAMA award-winning trumpeter Ndabo Zulu and the current Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz (SBYA), Linda Sikhakhane. Experience the Lounge Jazz Market, featuring 4EVERJAZZ hosted by the fantastic Nothemba Madumo, percussionist Thomas Dyani, and the incredible MARUMO FEMME with Mammello and Kopano.

Market Place

For the groovy souls out there, the slick sonic selectors, DJ HAPPY J, and Di Castro, along with the inimitable maestro DJ KENZHERO EXPERIENCE, will make you dance the night away with soulful vocals by Melo B Jones and rhythmic beats of Drum Machine and Me-Ko on Keys and Trumpet. Don’t miss the uniquely delicious musical experience of BREAKFAST AT KHUJOS, making its return to the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.

A Tribute to the Jazz Legends

Join us as we pay tribute to jazz legends on the Joy of Jazz stage, featuring sagacious reedman McCoy Mrubata and Brasskap, along with other incredible artists. Be enchanted by the multi-award-winning pianist and Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz (SBYA) award alumnus Nduduzo Makhathini Trio, featuring Cuban drummer Francisco Mela and bassist Zwelakhe-Duma Bell Le Pere with Omagugu Makhathini.

“We feel very excited about this year’s festival offering. It allows us to reconnect with our patrons and jazz lovers everywhere with the same passion and excitement they are used to. This year feels like we are really back and have turned the page on the interruption of the pandemic years, much more than last year,” says Festival Producer Mantwa Chinoamadi.

Standard Bank’s Commitment

“We have been a sponsor and partner to the Joy of Jazz for over 20 years, and we are immensely proud to be affiliated with an event of such high quality. We’re excited about this world-class festival’s future and our continued association with Johannesburg’s premier jazz event – it is cause for celebration and a tribute to the city. Since its inception in 1997, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival has provided a platform for African artists to join the world stage along with global icons,” says Yolisa Koza, Head of Brand Experience at Standard Bank.

She adds: “Bringing international artists to local audiences is as important to us as nurturing and growing local jazz talent: The 2023 Joy of Jazz will bring jazz enthusiasts the best of both. Standard Bank is committed to supporting the arts as we recognize the importance of encouraging creative expression, engagement, and social interaction. We have seen the role that the arts play in meaningfully growing and transforming people and communities.”

Tickets! Tickets! Get your tickets!

Standard Bank Cardholder Benefits

But wait, there’s more! Standard Bank cardholders are in for a treat, with discounts of up to 15% on tickets. Don’t miss out on this fantastic offer – get your tickets now at Computicket (both online and in-store). Remember, the offer is limited to two tickets per person, and all you need is a valid Standard Bank debit, cheque, or credit card. Hurry, and get ready for a music-filled extravaganza!

The early bird gets the cheapest worm

Full price tickets

Grab your tickets from Computicket and Checkers outlets and save the dates: 29 and 30 September 2023 at the Sandton International Convention Centre. Grab your tickets from Computicket and Checkers outlets.