Build-up events to indulge in ahead of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz

Once upon a time, jazz was perceived to be for “old people”, but it seems the young and carefree are leaning more towards this genre in recent South African music history. This is evidenced by the growing popularity of jazz festivals across the country, and more so the prevalence of millennials and GenZs in the audience as well as the artist line-up at these festivals. 

Johannesburg’s jazz scene is buzzing, and here’s what’s happening ahead of the Joy of Jazz main event. 

Whoever your favourite artist is, they are sure to be featured in one or sometimes even more of these musical spectacles. But even if they are not, head to any of these festivals and you’ll surely encounter a new artist to add to your playlist. 

Spring Jazz at NIROX  

• When: 13 September

• Where: NIROX

• Cost: R80 for children under 12, adults R470 to R750 on Howler.

 Initially scheduled to take place on 6 September, the family-friendly outdoor event was postponed to 13 September due to weather conditions. Music lovers who purchased tickets for the original date can breathe a sigh of relief because these are valid for the new date. 

This one is ideal for people who want to experience live bands in a chilled garden setting, and NIROX’s more than 50 permanent and long-term art installations make for a perfect backdrop. 

The stellar line-up boasts well-respected names like Nomfundo Xaluva, Shane Cooper & The Spirit Whisper, the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for poetry winner Modise Sekgothe and others. 

Spearhead the Jazz Wise Youth Music Business Workshop with Pilani Bubu 

• When: 17 September

• Where: Lesedi Theatre at the Joburg Theatre

• Cost: Free but registration on the Joy of Jazz website secures your spot 

 This year, award-winning singer-songwriter and Folklore Festival founder Pilani Bubu collaborates with the Joy of Jazz for the third edition of the Spearhead the Jazz Wise Youth Music Business Workshop. 

Here, creative professionals, academics and industry experts facilitate the workshops that are presented as a practical masterclass and networking hub where they impart their expertise to emerging musicians. 

Only the best is good enough for Mzansi’s next generation of artistry, so previous facilitators include Thandiswa Mazwai, Nomfundo Xaluva and Mi Casa among other A-listers. 

In today’s digital era, it has become critical for upcoming artists and cultural creatives to be equipped with the right tools to help them transform their creative talent into viable commercial success. 

Young artists who attend these workshops are educated on business and financial literacy, brand building and digital marketing, interdisciplinary collaboration and other skills that are necessary for artists in the current creative economy. 

Sankayi Jazz Series 

• When: 24 September

• Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Morningside

• Cost: From R400 on Quicket

 If you’re looking for an artist who is just as multi-cultural as Mzansi’s Rainbow Nation, look no further than Anaïs Rosso’s live performance at Sankayi. 

In media interviews, the self-taught musician and storyteller has identified herself as being of French, Congolese and Guadeloupean origins, making her a perfect fit for a South African audience. 

She blends jazz, blues and African rhythms into her captivating musicality, and attendees at Sankayi will have the Heritage Day of their lives getting teleported to various parts of the world by Anaïs’s sound. 

And because this is happening at a restaurant, you can enjoy the music while digging into some of Sankayi’s platters if you’re there as a group, or you can nibble on their tapas which include prawns, beef and vegetable sliders, oysters and chicken satay. 

 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Main Event

• When: 25 and 26 September

• Where: Sandton Convention Centre

• Cost: Day pass (Friday or Saturday) R1150, weekend pass (both days) R2250 at Ticketmaster. 

Standard Bank customers booking with their valid debit, cheque or credit cards get a 15% discount. 

Known globally as Africa’s most sought-after premium jazz festival, the JoJ assembles local A-listers, international headliners and emerging artists under one roof. Well, technically four roofs because the festival takes place across four stages. 

The Dinaledi stage takes after its name which means stars, featuring some of the most celebrated jazz heavyweights in the world. 

From Ibrahim Maalouf and Judith Sephuma to Ola Onabule and a Khaya Mahlangu-led Kippie Moeketsi Tribute, this stage lives up to its name. 

The Conga stage takes you on a rhythmical trip across Africa with its cross-cultural African fusions. The iconic Angélique Kidjo is on this stage, as is Carmen Souza and the Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba Ensemble. 

Celebrate the contributions of women to the musical landscape at the Diphala stage’s offering of the best in contemporary and traditional jazz, presented the way only women can. Immerse yourself in some of Gabi Motuba’s award-winning musicality, British jazz from Nubya Garcia and Canada-based Lorraine Klaasen’s homecoming. 

Neo-soul, poetry, storytelling and alternative sounds are the order of the day at the Mbira stage, and this year’s offering includes Floetry, Thandiswa Mazwai’s tribute to Hugh Masekela, Anaïs Rosso and a Busi Mhlongo spectacular by various artists. 

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