Artist Benjamin Jephta attended the launch of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz in Sandton on Tuesday.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz promises an even grander celebration, amplifying Africa's leading jazz event with a thrilling lineup of renowned artists, innovative programming ideas, and significant artistic partnerships.
Jazz lovers, musicians, and industry stakeholders gathered at the popular venue Artistry in Sandton for the reveal of the exhilarating all-star line-up.
Africa’s richest square mile is set to come alight when more than 60 musicians from across 15 countries and three continents, perform at the Sandton International Convention Centre.
Broadcaster Abigail Visagie hosted the event and radio station 702 presenters Paul Mnisi, Bongani Bingwa, Bridget Masinga, and Nicky B announced the artists to perform on the four stages.
RnB musician Elaine shared with IOL her joy of being a part of the line for the first time. She is excited to perform alongside her band, to bring the full live experience to life.
“I think it’s such a great moment for RnB and South Africa and I’m just so grateful and happy to be a part of the line-up.
Musician Elaine at the Joy of Jazz launch.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
“Jazz is the foundation of so much, it’s the foundation of RnB, it’s music it’s instruments, it’s alive and I think it’s also about interpretation.
“I’m a global artist, and I’m not only boxed in RnB, there’s so many other genres I am tapped into and for this specific performance, you will also be hearing different renditions of my songs.”
Accapella group Beyond Vocal is beyond excited to be a part of the line-up mentioned among musical artists they grew up listening to and even look up to. “It’s a blessing and a dream come true.”
The five talented vocalists Alex Granger, Lisanse Changwe, Mduduzi Dlamini, Willard Sibande and Scelo Mhlanga have been together for seven years and pride themselves in their unique vocal sounds.
“Our offering is diverse as an acapella group and we are honoured to be a part of the transformation and diversity. We are excited to be representing South Africa on such a platform.”
Berita is also excited to take on the Mbira Stage. She will have released a new project by September and will be using the moment as her comeback after not releasing new material.
Berita has been announced as a part of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2025 line-up. Picture: Timothy Bernard/ Independent Newspapers
Image: Timothy Bernard/ Independent Newspapers
“This is an opportunity that I have been waiting for for so many years and I’m so excited to be a part of this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.”
“New music is finally coming…I’m preparing my self-titled single “Gugulethu”, so I’m excited to be coming back officially to release new music again and Joy of Jazz is going to be that stage where I will be performing that music.”
This year Benjamin Jephta celebrates the 10th anniversary of his debut album “Homecoming” and this will be the first time he returns to the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz stage in nine years.
“Jazz holds a lot of space when it comes to South African history and what it meant for people in the struggle but also today's world in what it means for born frees like myself in a South African society to play and express ourselves freely. I think it’s important that music is presented in a way that is Joy of Jazz is going to be.”
The Mbira Stage at the festival will feature José James Sings Badu (USA), Amanda Black (SA), KB Motsilanyane (SA), Sylent Nqo (Zim), and The Noisemakers, Tresor (Drc/Sa), Velemseni (Eswatini), Leomile (Lesotho), Berita (SA), Mondli Ngcobo (SA), Elaine (SA), The Muses (SA), Beyond Vocal (SA), and Muneyi (SA), the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner, who will present his heritage-driven soulful sound.
The Dinaledi Stage at the festival will feature strong female voices, including multi-Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding (USA) and Thandi Ntuli (SA) with guests.
Accapella group Beyond Vocal at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz line-up announcement. Picture: Timothy Bernard/ Independent Newspapers
Image: Timothy Bernard/ Independent Newspapers
Alto sax enthusiasts can enjoy Lakecia Benjamin (USA), alongside South African artists Nomfundo Xaluva, Tshepo Mngoma with Strings With Soul, and Steve Dyer (SA) with Amazwi8 Choir.
Dyer's grand sound will be balanced by the Siya Makuzeni Big Band (SA), featuring a large ensemble of talented musicians.
“We wanted to keep our eye on projecting and cementing the SBJOJ Africa’s premier jazz event that is rooted in South Africa’s undeniably rich and varied musical traditions, balancing the demands of jazz connoisseur patrons while creating exciting entry points for the novice jazz lovers too.
“We are excited about where younger musicians are taking the music, whilst acknowledging the incredible voices of leading women of the music today,” said Mantwa Chinoamadi, CEO at T-Musicman and producer of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
The Diphala Stage will feature straight-ahead jazz collaborations with The Baylor Project (USA), the Hakan Basar Trio (Turkey), the Peter Auret Trio (SA), the Najponk Trio (Czech Republic), and the Kyle Shepherd Trio (SA).
Vocalist Jazzmeia Horn (USA) and pianist Simon Denizart (Canada) will also perform. Siya "Jazzmatic" Charles (SA) will appear, alongside Phinda Matlala (SA) and Ncesh Nonxishi (SA) showcasing South African musical traditions.
The Conga Stage will celebrate Pan-African jazz with Oumou Sangaré (Mali), Meshell Ndegeocello (USA), Gabi Motuba (SA) presenting The Sabbath, Alune Wade (Senegal), and Steve Bedi (Ghana).
The Ababhemu Quartet (Sa/Den/Nor) will present an intercontinental collaboration, and the Fischermanns Orchestra (Switzerland) will bring their big band sound.
Guitar Convergence (SA) with Moss Mogale, Vusi Mahlasela, and Billy Monama will celebrate Mamelodi's guitar heritage, and L’wei Netshivhale (SA) will share music from the Limpopo river basin.
Not only was the exciting line-up announced but growth on the 26-year journey as this year, the festival will take place over three days September 26-28, 2025.
IOL Entertainment