SA: 2020 Joy of Jazz festival postponed

JOJ is traditionally held in Johannesburg on the last week of September but this year’s event has been put on hold until further notice.

“It is with mixed emotions that we have to announce the postponement of the 23rd edition of the annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz until further notice,” T-Musicman, the events company that organises JOJ, said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation which affects all of us. Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by the virus, either directly or indirectly.

“At T-Musicman, we have consulted and deliberated broadly in order to comprehend the challenges facing the country, and based on the status quo, we feel compelled to reach out and communicate the decision we have arrived at.”

JOJ organiser and T-Musicman CEO Peter Tladi said: “As a leading events company, T-Musicman recognises the necessity for health and safety precautions to be taken, the need for assessing the risks associated with exposure to COVID-19, hence our continuous assessment of measures are consistent with overall national strategies and policies juxtaposed against global practices from our industry peers.

“Understandably, as a model corporate citizen for over two decades, we observe the obligations imposed on all of us that everyone should be concerned about the impact on lives of individuals, which could lead to unprecedented levels of casualties and loss of life, hence some proposals from certain quarters on virtual entertainment, somehow supported by live streaming.”