THE Joy of Jazz festival was nothing short of spectacular this year.
The festival took place over two nights this year, instead of of the usual three nights.
It was held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Joburg on Friday, 29 September and Saturday, 30 September.
The event drew a much younger crowd with patrons spoiled for choice across four stages: Dinaledi, Conga, Mbira and Lounge Jazz stage.
Jazz enthusiasts flocked to the Dinaledi stage, which was graced by Ernie Smith, Marcus Wyatt, Herbie Tsoaelo and Swiss harpist, Andreas Vollenweider on Friday.
This was followed by Titi Luzipo, who paid tribute to the late Gloria Bosman, as well as McCoy Mrubatha, Nduduzo Makhathini and Andreas again on Saturday.
Not a single seat was empty as the legendary Mzansi saxophonist McCoy Mrubatha set the stage alight. He performed with his Brasskap band, playing songs from his many albums such as Quiet Please, Hoelykit? and Face the Music.
The Conga and Mbira stages were by far the loudest as the likes of Zonke Dikana, Samthing Soweto, Zoe Modiga, Ami Faku, Inkabi Zezwe, Max-Hoba, Buhlebendalo and Langa Mavuso had fans singing along to their tunes.
Grammy-winning American star Robert Glasper, who people couldn't wait to see, failed to impress, with many people walking out during his set in the earlier hours of Sunday morning, 1 October.
Fans who wanted to just dance and go on a trip down memory lane headed to the smaller and vibey Lounge stage. This stage was for DJs and calm groovists. None of the DJs who took to the stage disappointed, but the biggest highlights were Breakfast at Khujos and Khenzhero. They took patrons on a musical journey and wanted to give them a musical experience.
Unlike in previous years where fans complained about the sound, the production had little to no glitches.
The festival also gave small business owners the opportunity to showcase their craft and get exposure. Daily Sun also attended the Jazzy Joburg Market, which took place on both days before the main event.
Jewellery and fashion designer Khanyisa Seema from Boksburg, Ekurhuleni said she was happy to get exposure for her business.
"A lot of people from my area who don't know me will now know how and where to find me. This opportunity will make me known," she said.
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There was also a business called EzeMvelo, which is founded by Realeboga Manotwana from Dobsonville in Soweto. She sold organic bath salts, body scrubs and bath bombs.
Noona Stylez founder, Nyakallo Khoali from Mapetla, Soweto, who makes jewellery, sunglasses and hair accessories, said it was always a pleasure to get such an opportunity.
"It’s nice to show people what you do and for people to know what you do. Opportunities like these always ensure there are return sales," she said.
Fashion designer, Julie Sibanda from Art and Design, who was based in Maboneng before being hit hard by the Covid-19 lockdown and is now working from home, said she appreciated the opportunity to get her name out there.
"It means a lot as I’m gaining a lot here. I met someone who invited me to Swaziland. It’s not about money but about making contacts," she said.
Joburg Tourism Company's destination marketing manager, Lumka Dlomo said they started hosting the market in 2015.
She said it was a way to bring the shopping to international artists who are billed to perform at the festival while also empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth.
