Joy of Jazz to host youth-focused festival at National School of the Arts

Scheduled to run from 9am to 6pm, the event aims to provide performance opportunities for young artists while raising funds for the National School of the Arts, which has played a role in the development of musicians and performers in South Africa.

Organisers said this year's event coincides with the commemoration of 50 years since the Soweto Uprising and will focus on creating opportunities for young people through music, education and skills development.

Award-winning singer, songwriter and composer Msaki, whose real name is Asanda Lusaseni, has been appointed guest curator for the 2026 edition. Through her Fetch Your Life Foundation, she has been involved in initiatives aimed at mentoring and supporting young people in underserved communities.

In addition to curating the programme, Msaki will participate in a series of workshops covering music, creativity, wellness, entrepreneurship, technology and outdoor education. The workshops will take place ahead of the festival at the JSM Academy’s Nkanyezi Simulation Centre in Soweto on 13 July, the National School of the Arts on 21 July and the East Rand School of the Arts in Benoni on 22 July.

The festival’s performance line-up will feature ensembles and students from a range of educational and arts institutions, including the National School of the Arts Band, Khutlo Tharo School of the Arts, East Rand School of the Arts, Pro Arte Alphen Park Performing and Creative Arts High School, Spartan High School, Sacred Heart College Jazz/Marimba Band, JSM Academy, the University of the Witwatersrand Music Department Jazz Band, Central Johannesburg TVET College Music Department and the Music Academy of Gauteng.

Individual and professional acts on the programme include flautist, composer and vocalist Vuyo Viwe, as well as Mahubo Band and NU-Bam & The Band.

Organisers said most of the performers are between the ages of 16 and 25 and represent a mix of school-based, tertiary and community music programmes.

Alongside the live performances, the event will feature masterclasses focused on music, dance, art and entrepreneurship, a youth performance stage, an exhibition area and a marketplace for young entrepreneurs.

Industry professionals will also mentor youth-led teams involved in planning and delivering the event. Participants will gain practical experience in areas such as event management, customer service, production and teamwork while interacting with music and entertainment industry practitioners.

The organisers have encouraged young people to volunteer for the event, with support from partner organisations including MusicLab to increase participation opportunities.