SA: Joy of Jazz announces 2018 line-up

Known for drawing artists from around the world, the JOJ line-up is packed with powerful musicians representing the jazz heritages of Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.

Artists featured at the festival include Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Wazimbo and Banda Kakana (Mozambique), the Nairobi Horns Project (Kenya), Tlale Makhene (SA/eSwatini), Letta Mbulu (SA), David Sanborn (US), Bilal (US), Kengo Nakamura & Carl Fredrik Orrje (Japan/Sweden), Buika (Spain) and Cassandra Wilson (US), among many others.

The festival will kick off on Thursday 27 September with The Horn Summit in honour of the late Hugh Masekela. The Horn Summit comprises Feya Faku, Khaya Mahlangu, Mthunzi Mvubu, Barney Rachabane, Sydney Mavundla, Siphamandla Bhembe, Mandla Mlangeni, Gloria Bosman, Paul Hanmer and McCoy Mrubata.

Grammy winner Cassandra Wilson and David Sanborn will then follow the commemorative project with separate performances. The two jazz greats are arguably the biggest names at this year's festival.  

Another highlight of the festival is the Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong All Star Band from the US featuring trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, tenor Roderick Pauli, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, bassist Reginald Veal, pianist Courtney Bryan and drummer Herlin Riley.

The Piano Play – a collaboration between pianists Kyle Shephard (SA), Bokani Dyer (Botswana/SA) and Amina Figarova (Azerbaijan) – is another must-see at this year's JOJ.

Pianist Thandi Ntuli, who is this year's Standard Bank Young Artist for jazz, is expected to open Saturday's entertainment. 

More than two decades of jazz

“As we make a step into the 21 years since we began our journey as a jazz festival with world-class ambitions, we are refreshed as it is challenged by what this milestone means for us,” JOJ organiser Peter Tladi said.

“We have the security and confidence of two decades of living to the promises we make annually to jazz lovers. We also have a clear sense of the growth we still wish to achieve as a festival.”

Tladi said he was looking forward to provide access to the best jazz in the world through JOJ's expertly curated line-up and to contribute to the development of the country’s cultural economy.

“The jobs created annually by the festival, the education and training opportunities for young people on and offstage are all part of one vision that underpins what we mean by joy, in Standard Bank Joy of Jazz,” he said.

Standard Bank extends partnership with JOJ

Standard Bank announced yesterday that it was impressed with the progress made by the festival.

“As an organisation that is committed to make a difference wherever we are, this is a special association that we treasure so much that we have committed to extend this for another three years,” Standard Bank chief marketing officer Thulani Sibeko said.

“This year we mark 21 years as a naming sponsor of this festival. We have been with Joy of Festival for this long because we appreciate both the social and economic impact that jazz has in society,” he said.