SA: Standard Bank Jazz Festival unveils 2021 line-up

Confirmed international artists include Richard Bona (Cameroon) and Gerald Albright (US). They will be joined by local acts Marcus Wyatt, Nduduzo Makhathini, Lira, Judith Sephuma, Sisonke Xonti, Feya Faku, Bokani Dyer, Dumza Maswana and Sibongile Mngoma.

The event, which is its 34th edition, will bring friends, family and fans together for a uniquely global jamboree with audiences joining the fun from the comfort of their homes, the organisers said.

“It is exactly during challenging times such as these that we get to test the best parts of our heritage and tradition,” Standard Bank Jazz Festival director Alan Webster said. “Jazz music is an art form that teaches us that we can always improvise beyond a bad situation in the pursuit of our dreams. This year’s festival allows us to live up to this principle and keep presenting the best of our local musicians alongside their international counterparts for new and returning audiences.

“Our festival has always been a uniquely international offering. Over the years, we’ve brought world-class jazz musicians from across Europe, the Americas and from across the African continent to the small town of Makhanda for a unique jazz experience that is centred on development of young people and their dreams.”

Standard Bank head of sponsorship and events Desiree Pooe said: “This year, we’ve once again found a way to respond to the limitations imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic by reaching out to a larger global audience through the power of digital.”

Tickets to the event can be purchased here.