SA: Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Wyatt to open Joy of Jazz 2019

Titled Battle of the Big Bands, the event will also feature Marcus Wyatt & The ZAR Jazz Orchestra. The two big bands will perform on the Dinaledi Stage.

The JOJ organisers told Music In Africa that a complete line-up would be announced in due course.

"Music lovers are in for a treat," T-Musicman executive producer Mantwa Chinoamadi said. "We are excited about this year's Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. We want our festival patrons to not only experience the music, but to also live it.

“The Battle of the Big Bands night will have extraordinary musicians share a stage, showcasing their swing prowess, while entertaining audiences. We assure jazz and music lovers an extraordinary experience that will remain in their memories for many years to come."

Standard Bank head of group sponsorships Desiree Pooe said partnering with JOJ had yielded success in the past.

"Our support of the arts in general and jazz in particular, reaches new heights this year as we not only celebrate 21 years of partnership with the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival but also 35 years of the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards (SBYA),” she said. “At this year's festival, the two milestones collide with incredible performances by leading SBYA alumni on multiple festival stages. We look forward to how we will come together to share our #AfricanheART with the world."

A Jazz at Lincoln Center teacher and artistic director, Marsalis and his ensemble are expected to perform a repertoire of songs spanning from their first album, Portraits By Ellington (1992), to their latest, Una Noche Con Rubén Blades (2018).

Marsalis joins other US jazz greats who have graced the JOJ stage, including the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Nnenna Freelon, Cassandra Wilson, Earl Klugh, Wycliffe Gordon and David Sanborn, among many others.

Tickets to the event can be purchased via Computicket as well as Shoprite and Checkers outlets.