Your comprehensive guide to Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026

Beninese powerhouse Angelique Kidjo is a major draw this year and absolutely worth catching. Her multiple Grammys tells only part of the story, Kidjo’s career spans West African music, Afrobeats, soul, pop and jazz.

It’s an ideal choice for anyone who thinks jazz isn’t really their thing. Kidjo’s sound is expansive and full of rhythm, with the kind of energy that demands a live audience. She’s a must-see for a joyful, high-energy performance with plenty of crossover appeal.

French-Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf adds a global dimension to the festival, mixing Arabic musical traditions with jazz and contemporary sounds. Maalouf is a good example of how jazz has always been a genre without strict boundaries. Expect a set that moves between traditions without worrying too much about where one ends and another begins.

Thadiswa Mazwai brings her own voice to Hugh Masekela’s music as she closes out the Mbira Stage. It’s one of the weekend’s most intriguing sets, with Mazwai bringing Masekela’s music into the present rather than simply looking back. With her own work firmly rooted in South African musical history, Mazwai brings her perspective to Masekela’s legacy in a meeting of two generations of artists. If you’re interested in learning how South African musical history can be carried further without it being replayed, this is one of the weekend’s standout performances.

One of the biggest names in contemporary jazz, Los Angeles saxophonist Kamasi Washington blends spiritual jazz, with hip-hop, funk and richly layered arrangements. His first appearance at Joy of Jazz makes this a particularly good pick for anyone keen to hear where contemporary jazz is going next. Go see him for a big, experimental sound that shows just how far contemporary jazz can stretch.

Nubya Garcia has become one of the defining voices of London’s contemporary jazz scene, and she’s on this year’s line-up. Garcia’s music blends jazz with Caribbean influences, broken beat and the restless energy of London’s modern music scene. Catch her if you want jazz with a modern pulse and influences that stretch well beyond the traditional jazz club.

Bringing something different to the festival, the neo-soul duo combine soulful vocals with poetry and R&B. Floetry is the obvious choice if you’re into jazz, soul and R&B, and especially if you’ve brought along someone who needs convincing that a jazz festival can be fun. Watch and experience them for a more intimate, nostalgic sound that changes the pace nicely.

Saxophonist Khaya Mahlangu pays tribute to Kippie Moeketsi, one of the great pioneers of South African jazz. This is part of what makes Joy of Jazz special. The chance to hear today’s musicians connecting with the sounds, artists and traditions that have influenced South African jazz. Catch him for a deeper dive into the history that shaped South African jazz.

On the Dinaledi stage, Dumza Maswana presents the Umngqunqgo Orchestral Experience, bringing together a 20-piece orchestra, blending indigenous rhymes with jazz and spiritual storytelling. If you’re deciding what to see among the festival’s big international names, make room for this one. Seeing twenty musicians on one stage should make this less of a set you watch and more of a performance you feel in the room.

This article is sponsored by Standard Bank - remember  Standard Bank cardholders: You qualify for up to 15% off, limited to two tickets per person and subject to availability and terms and conditions. Book your ticket via Ticketmaster.

Joy of Jazz isn’t just about seeing the biggest names on the line-up. The fun is in the freedom to move between four stages, stumble across new artists and follow your ears for the rest of the night.

You won’t catch everything, so choose a few important sets and leave room for the unexpected. Festivals are more fun with friends, so don’t be afraid to split up for a set and regroup afterwards to swap stories.

Only going for one day? Build your schedule around your favourte jazz musos. 

Getting there:

Take the Gautrain: The easiest option for travel is the Gautrain, with Sandton station a short walk from the Sandton Convention Centre.

Driving to the festival? There’s no parking at the venue, but nearby Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square offer alternatives, alongside free park and ride services. Expect road restrictions around the venue and plan accordingly. 

What's included in your ticket:

Your ticket covers all four stages, whether you are doing a day or weekend pass. If you have a day pass you can only access the festival for your chosen date.

Security screening will be in place and outside alcohol, illegal substances and weapons are prohibited. Professional cameras require accreditation.

As the programme can change, it’s worth checking the official festival information before you head to the festival. 

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