This morning marked the official lineup announcement for this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, held in
Sandton, and the atmosphere was electric. Jazz lovers, media, and industry insiders gathered in a vibrant
celebration of one of South Africa’s most cherished cultural events. Guests mingled effortlessly, sharing
anecdotes from past Joy of Jazz experiences. It quickly became apparent that this festival is more than
just an event; it’s the heartbeat of South Africa’s rich cultural landscape. As a broadcaster and dedicated
jazz enthusiast, being present at this moment felt like a high school reunion, filled with familiar faces, broadcasters, artists and passionate fans alike. The atmosphere was alive with hugs, laughter, and
even spontaneous harmonies, which rekindled my love for jazz music.
The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz promises to be one of the festival’s most dynamic editions yet,
expanding to an exciting three-day format from September 26 to 28, 2025. This year’s lineup showcases
an impressive array of local legends, international stars, and emerging talents, ensuring that every facet
of the jazz world will be represented. As the list of performers was unveiled, applause erupted, filling the
venue with excitement and propelling a flurry of social media activity under hashtags like #sbjoj2025,
#IheARTJazz, and #TakeMeThere. The calibre of talent lined up is a clear indication that the future of jazz
remains bright.
The festival will feature performances across four distinct stages, each providing a unique auditory
experience:
1. Dinaledi Stage: Focused on celebrating strong female voices, this stage will showcase renowned multi-
GRAMMY Award winner Esperanza Spalding (USA) and South African artists like Thandi Ntuli and
Nomfundo Xaluva. Expect powerful acts and vibrant ensembles that honour the diversity of contemporary jazz.
2. Diphala Stage: Dedicated to traditional jazz and collaborative performances, this stage will feature
acts such as The Baylor Project (USA), the Hakan Basar Trio (Turkey), and the Kyle Shepherd Trio (SA).
Audiences can anticipate inventive compositions and dynamic small ensembles that highlight exceptional musicianship.
3. Conga Stage: Celebrating global influences and Pan-African sounds, this stage will host artists like
Oumou Sangaré (Mali) and Meshell Ndegeocello (USA). It promises to deliver a rich tapestry of music
that reflects diverse cultural heritages, with performances from musicians such as Senegalese bassist
Alune Wade and the Swiss Big Band, Fishermans Orchestra.
4. Mbira Stage: Known for its lighter, sing-along atmosphere, this stage will feature performances from
José James Sings Badu (USA), Afro-pop favourites Amanda Black and KB Motsilanyane, as well as
emerging talents like Muneyi, the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner. This stage will
emphasize cultural storytelling through vibrant and accessible music.
Ticket sales will be available through Computicket and Ticketmaster, featuring several pricing options:
R1,350 for a single-day pass, R2,250 for a two-day pass, and R3,250 for a weekend pass. Standard Bank
cardholders can enjoy a discount of up to 15% on ticket purchases, with a limit of two tickets per person.
With over 60 musicians from 15 countries participating, the 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz promises an
unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich sounds of jazz. It is more than merely a showcase; it’s
a cultural pilgrimage for jazz lovers. As we excitedly count down the days, the question remains: Are you
ready to join this incredible journey?
The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz awaits, promising to be an
experience we’ll cherish for years to come.