JOJ brings generations of African music together in Joburg

The two-day event featured four stages: Dinaledi, Diphala, Conga and Mbira with audiences moving between venues throughout the programme. The line-up included Angélique Kidjo, Judith Sephuma, Thandiswa Mazwai, Nubya Garcia, Floetry, Tank and the Bangas, Ola Onabulé, The Brother Moves On and DJ Castro.

The programme reflected the festival’s focus on connections between different generations of musicians and audiences. Established artists performed alongside younger and experimental acts, while jazz intersected with neo-soul, Afro-jazz, house, Afro-rock and other contemporary styles.

The festival's focus on developing new talent extended beyond the main event. In July, the Jazz for Young People (J4YP) programme was held at the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein. Curated by singer-songwriter Msaki in partnership with the Fetch Your Life Foundation, the initiative provided mentorship, educational activities and skills development for young creatives from underserved communities.

The 2026 programme also marked 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising and 70 years since the 1956 Women's March, linking the festival's contemporary programme to significant moments in South Africa's history.

Live performances across four stages

The festival’s second night brought audiences together for performances by Kidjo, Floetry, Garcia, Onabulé and Mazwai, among others.

Kidjo's appearance in Johannesburg followed her recent recognition with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her performance took place at the same time as Floetry’s set on another stage, forcing audiences to choose between two headline performances and contributing to the movement between the festival's four venues.

The festival's emphasis on live musicianship was also evident throughout the evening, with bands performing alongside the featured artists rather than relying solely on recorded backing tracks. Audience participation, including singing and responses to performers, became part of several performances.

Mazwai closed the second night, bringing the festival's historical themes into her performance. She also paid tribute to South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela.

Earlier in the programme, Khaya Mahlangu paid tribute to jazz pioneer Kippi Moeketsi, linking the current generation of performers with musicians who helped shape South Africa's jazz tradition.

The festival’s programming also included the #JazzReignited DJ Search competition, whose winner, Jazz Maestro Sbu, joined acts such as The Brother Moves On and DJ Castro on the line-up.

Across the two days, Joy of Jazz presented a mix of established and emerging musicians while using its four-stage format to expose audiences to different approaches to jazz and related African music styles.

The 2026 edition concluded with a programme that placed contemporary performances alongside historical references, while continuing the festival's role as a platform for artist development, cultural exchange and live music in South Africa.

Contributors: Patricia Yumba, Amahle Mshengu, Sisi Nkabinde, Thembelihle Tshabelala, Samukelo Ngubeni & Khotso Masilela