SA: Joy of Jazz announces expanded three-day festival, global line-up

Now in its 26th edition, Africa’s premier jazz festival is set to honour the genre’s African roots while embracing bold new programming concepts and artistic collaborations. This year’s focus will spotlight the contributions of women in jazz, alongside a wide-ranging showcase of musical virtuosity across continents and generations.

Headlining the Dinaledi Stage are internationally acclaimed artists including multi-Grammy award-winning bassist and composer Esperanza Spalding (US), alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin (US), and South African talents Thandi Ntuli, Nomfundo Xaluva, and Steve Dyer, whose Vision of Ubuntu project will feature the Amazwi8 Choir. In a special tribute to the country’s jazz legacy, Standard Bank Young Artist alumni such as Siya Makuzeni, Andile Yenana, and Mandla Mlangeni will also perform.

The Dipala Stage will offer a more traditional jazz experience, with acts such as The Baylor Project (US), the Hakan Basar Trio (Turkey), and South Africa’s Peter Auret and Kyle Shepherd Trios. Czech ensemble Najponk Trio and Canadian pianist Simon Denizart are among the international guests. Notably, Jazzmeia Horn (US), known for her imaginative vocal stylings, will perform alongside local favourites such as trombonist Siya “Jazzmatic” Charles and vocalist Phinda Matlala.

Celebrating jazz’s global and Pan-African roots, the Conga Stage will feature genre-defying icons including Oumou Sangaré (Mali), Meshell Ndegeocello (US), and South African innovator Gabi Motuba. Senegal’s Alune Wade, Ghanaian saxophonist Steve Bedi, and a Nordic-African ensemble including Nduduzo Makhathini will offer a fusion of intercontinental sounds.

The Mbira Stage, aimed at broader audiences and cross-genre experimentation, will present José James’ Sings Badu project, alongside beloved South African acts Amanda Black, Elaine, KB Motsilanyane, and the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner, Muneyi. Artists from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, eSwatini and the DRC will further enrich the festival’s cultural and sonic diversity.

“With over 40 years of championing the arts, we are thrilled by this year’s transcendent line-up, a celebration of legendary jazz greats, dynamic young voices, and powerful women in jazz,” Standard Bank head of brand experience Yolisa Koza.

T-Musicman producer Mantwa Chinoamadi said: “We are excited about where younger musicians are taking the music, while acknowledging the incredible voices of today’s leading women.”

The festival, now rooted in Sandton’s thriving cultural and economic centre, will be preceded by city-wide activations in Johannesburg. With its ambitious scope and star-studded bill, the 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is poised to once again affirm its place as the continent’s most prestigious jazz event.

Tickets to the festival are available here.