THE 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is back and it promises an exhilarating experience for jazz lovers.
Africa’s premier jazz festival will be taking place on 29 and 30 September at the Sandton International Convention Centre, north of Joburg.
The producers of the 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz have curated a show for music lovers to reconnect and feel jazz everywhere.
Festival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi said the Dinaledi stage will be headlined by the most successful cross-over musician of his generation, Grammy-award winner Andreas Vollenweider and friends Ayanda Nhlangothi, Vusi Nhlapo and Vuyo Tshuma on Vocals, who will represent the Mzansi version of the grand doo-wop tradition with inimitable style.
“Another Grammy-award winner, pianist and composer Robert Glasper will headline The Conga stage, alongside a league of contemporary jazz giants respected in straight-ahead jazz and their foray into other genres,” said Mantwa.
She said as part of a series of specially curated tribute performances, guitarist Billy Monama will pay tribute to Allen Kwela.
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“In another special tribute, The Hugh Masekela Band, with 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,” said Mantwa.
She said they feel very excited about the 2023 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 is year feels like we are back and have turned the page on the interruption of the pandemic years, much more than last year” she said.
Yolisa Koza, head of brand experience at Standard Bank, said they have been a sponsor and partner to the Joy of Jazz for more than 20 years, and they're 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,” said Yolisa.
She said bringing international artists to local audiences is as important to them as nurturing and growing local jazz talent.
