The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz celebrates its 21st annual showcase this year. The jazz festival, hosted by the City of Johannesburg, is aimed at fostering social cohesion, economic growth and tourism.
This year's festival takes place from Thursday 27 September to Saturday 29 September 2018 at Sandton Convention Centre. It will also feature tributes to Hugh Masekela and the man who gave him his first trumpet, Louis Armstrong.
Speaking during the welcoming dinner for artists and sponsors last night, City of Johannesburg's Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba, said: “We want to welcome the artists, the media and visitors who are coming from different countries across the globe to our City.
“We are embracing the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz as an event that is a clear demonstration of the City of Johannesburg's commitment to social cohesion, economic growth and cultural tourism. Keep up the good work that you're doing. I can assure you that we will always support the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. You started a legacy and today we are here to celebrate 21 years of this great jazz event."
“We are on the journey of rebuilding the City of Johannesburg for the future generation to live in the safe environment. I wish the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz another 21 years. I know that you'll enjoy the festival and you become great ambassadors of the City of Johannesburg", said Mayor Mashaba.
The three-day spectacle will feature four stages – Dinaledi, Diphala, Conga and Mbira where the artists will showcase their talents. This year's build-up programme has included several corporate social initiative events aimed at deepening bonds and furthering the understanding of jazz.
“We are looking to providing unparalleled access to the best jazz music in the world through our expertly curated programme and line-up as much as we are excited to be able to the development of our cultural economy," said Peter Tladi, chief executive of T Musicman.
Grammy award-winning vocalist Cassandra Wilson and accomplished saxophonist David Sanborn lead an impressive cast of artists that includes Amina Figarova, Oliver Mtukudzi, Gugu Shezi, Mbuso Khoza, Diane Schuur, Feya Faku, Bilal, Buika, Letta Mbulu, Gloria Bosman, Paul Hanmer, McCoy Mrubata, Kyle Shepard, Bokani Dyer, Nduduzo Makhathini, Femi Koya, Thandi Ntuli and Nairobi Horns.
“We welcome all artists around the country and the globe to this wonderful city called Johannesburg ahead of the 21st Standard Bank of Joy of Jazz this weekend. It is a very special time for the calendar of the art in Johannesburg. We at Standard Bank are truly proud to be a partner of this incredible festival for 21 years," said Thulani Sibeko, Chief Marketing Officer at Standard Bank.
The first day of the festival kicks off on Thursday, 27 September 2018 with The Horn Summit in honour of the late Hugh Masekela. This showcase event will feature Feya Faku, Khaya Mahlangu, Mthunzi Mvubu, Barney Rachabane and Sydney Mavundla, Siphamandla Bhembe, Mandla Mlangeni, Gloria Bosman, Paul Hanmer and McCoy Mrubata.
