Joy of Jazz fest in SA announces 2022 line-up

The 23rd edition of the festival, which is traditionally held in September, will make its return after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be held under the theme, Ultimate African Jazz Experience, with no artists outside the African continent featured this year.

“We see this as the year of recovery for us as a festival, but also for the whole local music ecosystem,” JOJ festival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi-Mutsinya said. “The industry has been under severe strain for the past two years. We’ve chosen to use this year’s festival as a catalytic investment in the recovery for local talent. Joy of Jazz has also been a central platform for the development of jazz talent over the past 23 years. As we rebuild from the hiatus of the pandemic, we thought it prudent to prioritise local music and talent.”

The African experience

Confirmed acts include local baritone Dumza Maswana, who will kick off proceedings on the Conga Stage with a set titled Celebrating African Song. He will perform with an all-star band comprising pianist Andile Yenana, bassist Shane Cooper, drummer Sakhi Nompozolo, reedman Sisonke Xonti, trumpeter Sakhile Simani and uhadi player Thandeka Mfinyongo. Singer and songwriter Mandisi Dyantyis will also lift up audiences with his infectious hymns.

The band Mahube will entertain jazz lovers with a fusion of talent comprising vocalists Muneyi and Siya Makuzeni (South Africa), singer Xixel Langa (Mozambique) and mbira maestro Hope Masike (Zimbabwe).

Not to be outdone, pianist and composer Bokani Dyer will showcase his Radio Sechaba project. His set on the Dinaledi Stage will feature saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane, pianist Afrika Mkhize, drummer Sphelelo Mazibuko, bassist Benjamin Jephta and singer Siphamandla Dlamini.

The musical magic of the people of Mozambique will be given fine expression by Maputo’s own Moreira Chonguica with Irmandade (Brotherhood) featuring Jaco Maria. Guitar wizard Jimmy Dludlu will also ascend to the Conga Stage to wow jazz fans with his singular sound. Msaki & the Golden Circle are also set to give an unmissable performance for the ages. Charl Duplesis, on the other hand, will feature the masterful Ziza Muftic and Thandi Ntuli in a thrilling collaborative experience. 

Powered by the South African Music Performance Rights Association, the Mbira Stage will showcase musical mavericks defining South Africa’s soundscape, including Thandiswa Mazwai, Brenda Mtambo, Press and The Gathering With Ntsika. 

Tribute concert

The festival will celebrate key jazz figures who passed away in the last two years. Saxophonist and composer Bhudaza Mapefane, alongside Maleh, Leomile and Lioness, will pay a fitting tribute to the village pope, Tsepo Tshola. In another notable salutation, Gloria Bosman will lead a celebration of the music and legacy of the late grand matriarch of song, Sibongile Khumalo.

The Horn Summit: A Tribute to Bra Johnny Mekoa will honour the great trumpet maestro and founder of the Music Academy of Gauteng. The tribute performance will feature Mekoa’s former colleagues and some of the great alumni of his music school, including saxophonists Khaya Mahlangu and Mthunzi Mvubu, trumpeters Sydney Mavundla and Prince Lengoasa, trombonist Malcom Jiyane, pianist Mongezi Conjwa and bassist Steven Mabona, as well as Hendrick Monyeki on vocals.

For more information, visit the Joy of Jazz website.