Joy of Jazz set to dazzle with star-studded three-day line-up in Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s premier jazz event, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, returns in September 2025 with a bold new twist, stretching its traditional two-day affair into a lavish three-night celebration of global jazz excellence. Mark your calendars: from 26 to 28 September, the Sandton International Convention Centre will pulse with rhythm, soul and world-class artistry as more than 50 performers take to four stages in a musical showcase unlike any other.

Now in its 26th year, Joy of Jazz has evolved into a cornerstone of the African live music calendar, continuing to honour jazz not only as a genre, but as a cultural movement, rich, boundary-defying, and endlessly expressive. This year's expanded format reaffirms the festival’s commitment to both musical heritage and innovation, drawing a blend of international stars and homegrown legends.

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The four dedicated stages, Diphala, Conga, Mbira, and Dinaledi, will serve as platforms for jazz musicians who defy convention and revel in improvisation. Often misunderstood, jazz is a genre rooted in complexity, freedom, and soul, qualities that will be centre stage as performers from around the world converge in Johannesburg.

This year's stellar line-up includes Grammy Award-winning bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding, renowned for her genre-blurring compositions and virtuosic flair. From South Africa, the exceptionally talented pianist Thandi Ntuli brings her distinct blend of traditional African sounds and modern jazz. Also representing the continent is multi-award-winning Congolese sensation Tresor, whose fusion of jazz and Afro-pop continues to win hearts globally.

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A highlight for jazz purists will be the Ababhemu Quartet, an international collaboration featuring Swedish saxophonist Karl Martin Almqvist, South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, drummer Ayanda Sikade, and Norwegian bassist Magne Thormodsaeter. Another standout is the Kyle Shepherd Trio, arguably the most enduring jazz trio of their generation, featuring Shane Cooper on bass and Jonno Sweetman on drums.

The programme doesn’t stop there. Jazzmei, Nomfundo Xaluva, and Afro-pop icon Amanda Black will deliver soulful performances that blend storytelling with melodic brilliance. Vusi Mahlasela, a living legend of South African music, returns to the stage alongside Moss Mogale and Billy Monama in a special performance titled Guitar Convergence.

But Joy of Jazz is more than a concert, it’s an experience. The festival will spill out into the wider city, with a series of pop-up activations and performances leading up to the main event, infusing Johannesburg with the vibrant energy of jazz and the elegance of its legacy.

At its core, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz remains a celebration of unbroken musical excellence. It is a tribute to heritage, artistry, and the sophisticated lifestyle intertwined with the noble sound of jazz. This year’s edition promises to be the most ambitious yet, an ode to the past and a bold step into the future of jazz.