SA: Who to watch at Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2017

The event, which is now in its 20th edition, will feature more than 35 artists on four stages: Dinaledi, Conga, Mbira and Diphala. Renowned for creating a platform that champions pan-Africanism, JOJ, the organisers say, also contributes to social cohesion, economic growth and cultural tourism in South Africa. In addition, the event also enables artists to exchange ideas, collaborate and develop the country’s jazz scene.

The presence of American jazz artists at most JOJ festivals has fostered a long-lasting exchange in the arts between South Africa and the US. The late Sathima Bea Benjamin, who spent a considerable amount of time in the US, made various contributions to the South African jazz scene. This prompted former South African president Thabo Mbeki to bestow on her  the Order of Ikhamanga in silver in recognition of her  contribution as a jazz artist.

The growth of the SA jazz scene can also be attributed to The Jazz Epistles – one of the first major bebop groups in South Africa in the 1950s. Made up of trombonist Jonas Gwangwa, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, pianist Abdullah Ibrahim and the late saxophonist Kippie Moeketsi, the group brought the sounds of US bebop – created by jazz greats Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis and Art Blakey – to South Africa. As such, The Jazz Epistles became the first South African bebop ensemble to sign a record deal.

A-list line-up

This year, the line-up includes artists such as The Clayton Brothers (US), Branford Marsalis (US), Tutu Puoane, (South Africa/Belgium), Salif Keita (Mali), Somi Kakoma (Uganda), Tsepo Tshola (Lesotho), Nnenna Freelon (US), Musiq Soulchild (US), Thandiswa Mazwai (SA), Jonas Gwangwa (SA), Abdullah Ibrahim (SA) and many others. All artists are slated to deliver unique performances comprising their latest releases as well as timeless classics.

Malian superstar Salif Keita will perform on the Conga stage on 29 and 30 September. Rated among the best musicians on the African continent, Keita, whose distinctive vocal pitch has charmed millions, is expected to share songs from last album Talé. The 68-year-old artist will be a favourite at JOJ where audiences can expect a full ensemble of musicians and compositions in his native Bambara language.

Puoane, who enjoys a huge jazz following in South Africa, will perform at Dinaledi and Diphala stages on 28 and 30 September respectively. The 38-year-old, Belgium-based singer will use the festival as an opportunity to reconnect with her dedicated South African fans. Puoane worked with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, a big band that invited her to collaborate on the 2010 Meriam Makeba tribute album Mama Africa. The album won in the Best Traditional Jazz Album category at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) the following year.

Fresh from her Charleston Jazz Festival performance in South Carolina last week, Nnenna Freelon will perform on the Dinaledi stage on Friday 29 September. The six-time Grammy Award nominee, who has worked with Ray Charles, Ellis Marsalis, George Benson and the late Al Jarreau, is expected to wow fans with her captivating smooth jazz vocals and elegant command of the stage. Jazz lovers should expect music from her albums Better Than Anything, Blueprint of a Lady and Tales of Wonder.

Musiq Soulchild will be back in South Africa after playing in the country two years ago. The artist, who fuses soul, R&B and jazz, is billed for the Mbira stage on 29 and 30 September where he will perform songs from his recently released album Feel the Real.

Hugh Masekela, Ramsey Lewis and Geri Allen are out

This year’s JOJ will see the return of artists who performed at last year’s festival. Thandiswa Mazwai, Nduduzo Makhathini, Sisonke Xonthi, Ayanda Sikade and Mthunzi Mvubu are back again, but legendary jazz maestro Hugh Masekela, who also played at JOJ 2016, has cancelled his appearance this year due to complications to his vision.

“We are obviously disappointed that Bra Hugh is unable to be part of this year's line-up, but of course his health takes priority. Bra Hugh’s old friend, Roy Ayers, will perform in his place and we all wish him a strong and speedy recovery,” JOJ founder Peter Tladi said.

Masekela, who was scheduled to perform on 30 September, has cancelled a number of events owing to a number of medical impediments. In April this year, the trumpeter hurt his right shoulder after falling at an event in Morocco. This forced the cancellation of his No Borders album launch in Johannesburg, which was to feature a number of big-name guest appearances. There are rumours that Masekela is also battling prostate cancer.

Adding to the list of cancellations are US jazz composer, pianist and radio personality Ramsey Lewis and Geri Allen. Allen, 60, died on 27 June after losing her battle with cancer. Lewis, who withdrew because of ill health, was scheduled to perform alongside renowned US vibraphone player Roy Ayers who will now deliver a solo performance at JOJ. 

20 years of joy

This year JOJ celebrates 20 years since the inaugural festival was held at the State Theatre in 1997. The festival then moved to Newtown Precinct before finding its new home at the Sandton Convention Centre in 2014.

Music In Africa asked organiser Mantwa Chinoamadi how the festival had grown in the past two decades.

“Celebrating 20 years is a big milestone,” she said. “Looking at the line-up, you will notice the legends that are billed. It is seldom that you will get Jonas Gwangwa, Caiphus Semenya, and Abdullah Ibrahim billed on one festival.”

Tickets to Standard Bank Joy of Jazz are on sale via Computicket.