By Lebogang Molefe

South Africa’s oldest jazz festival is back again, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has been entertaining continents for twenty- one years uninterrupted.

This year’s 22nd edition is the not to be missed Jazz Festival. To celebrate the auspicious event, international giants of the jazz world, as well as leading musicians of South African jazz will come together in Johannesburg to celebrate the momentous event.

#SBJOJ22 is set to unleash jazz with a remarkable band performance on the
26th of September 2019 for the opening night, at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Executive Producer, Peter Tladi says, “Jazz has a significant contribution in economic growth, especially in Gauteng and we are appealing to the public to continue supporting our musicians to reach their potential”.

Africa’s much anticipated jazz festival will take place from the 26th to the 28th of September
2019, where it will connect Jazz lovers from different walks of life.

The line-up was unveiled on Wednesday night, where the festival will open with Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra led by trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis who is seen as a public face of jazz music to many Jazz lovers.

Sharing the stage with his band will be, ZAR Orchestra led by Mzansi’s own eclectic horns-man, Marcus Wyatt.

The magic line-up also includes multi-award-winning Mozambican composer and saxophonist,
Moreira Chonguiça, Cuban born pianist, Roberto Fonseca, Incredible drummer, Manu Katché.

Another anticipated trumpeter not to be missed is Nigerian-born, Etuk Ubong, who’s music draws inspiration from great jazz trumpeters that stretch from Hugh Masekela to Miles Davis.

To add on the South Afrcican flavour, the stage will be set on fire by the historic band Stimela, the iconic Sipho Mabuse, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, singer & songwriter, Siphokazi, and award winning acapella group The Soil.

Full lineup can be accessed here: https://youtu.be/odUmYgnw0s0

Standard Bank chief marketing officer, Thulani Sibeko says it gives them joy that there are many Standard Bank Young Artist Jazz alumni performing this year, this shows that the sponsorship towards the event plays a critical role in moving artists’ careers forward.

To be part of this night of dazzle, strings and horns, jazz and music lovers can purchase their tickets at Computicket or Shoprite / Checkers outlet.

(Edited by Cliff Shiko)