Latest news with #StandardBankJoyofJazz
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Berita on juggling studies and working on new music
The singer is working on new music while pursuing her MBA. Afro-soul singer and songwriter Berita is working extra hard, balancing her music career with her academic ambitions. Earlier this month, the singer-songwriter graduated from the University of Pretoria with an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration. Speaking to The Citizen, Berita said her decision to return to education was driven by a desire to strengthen her leadership and business skills in the ever-evolving creative industry. 'This milestone represents growth and resilience. I was inspired by a desire to better navigate the music business and build long-term impact as a creative entrepreneur.' Berita said balancing her music career with her studies was no easy feat. 'It was tough, but I stayed focused, managed my time carefully, and leaned on the support of my team and peers. Passion is what kept me going.' ALSO READ: Berita, Eugene Mthethwa and Idols Top 5 finalist among nominees for spot as a trustee of Samro's retirement fund New music in the pipeline for Berita's fans Berita is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, part of the University of Pretoria. She is also preparing to release new music. 'I'm preparing to release new music while continuing my studies, and I'm exploring ways to merge creativity, business, and social impact.' Berita also has several performances lined up this year, including the prestigious Standard Bank Joy of Jazz on 26 September. 'I'm also excited to perform at the Mayibuye iAfrika Concert at Joburg Theatre on the 28th and 29th of June,' she shared. NOW READ: 'From the cage to the stage,' says Chris Brown after being granted over R120 million bail
Time Out
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Events: What's on in Johannesburg
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival returns to the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, for its most ambitious edition yet — three full days of genre-defining performances, global icons, bold collaborations, and an elevated celebration of jazz's enduring legacy. With over 60 artists from 15 countries across four stages, this year's festival puts a spotlight on powerful women in jazz, visionary Pan-African sounds, and cutting-edge global talent. Highlights include Esperanza Spalding, Lakecia Benjamin, Oumou Sangaré, Meshell Ndegeocello, Thandi Ntuli, Jazzmeia Horn, The Baylor Project, Amanda Black, Tresor, and a full showcase of Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners. From soul-stirring solo sets to orchestral grandeur, audiences will experience an immersive musical journey rooted in African heritage and shaped by contemporary voices from across the world.
News24
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz artist line-up unveiling aligns with International Jazz Day
This year's Jazz Day commemorations were amplified by the unveiling of this year's Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (JoJ) artist line-up that recently took place at Artistry in Sandton. Themed 'I Heart Jazz,' the main affair taking place over three days from 26 to 28 September will be ushered in by an array of build-up events all year round. From neo and Afro-soul genres to house to amapiano and beyond, festival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi described jazz as the mother of other music forms as artists across multiple genres borrowed from it to create timeless pieces. She told City Press that while the festival can sell itself, the artists were the real commodity behind it, describing it as a privilege that this country was able to export world-class creativity. Supplied Joy of Jazz Chinoamadi asserted that making the artist line-up being unveiled on Jazz Day Eve was to make a statement about South Africa's position in the creation of African jazz. She reiterated that jazz was far from dying in South Africa as young people were actively threading it into their musical explorations as both fans and creators. She added: We were made to believe that jazz was for old people, but the musicians themselves are changing the narrative. But in fact, it is a cross-generational genre that 26-year-old, a 16-year-old can identify with and because it's also a global phenomenon, this was the perfect time of year to make the announcement. Chinoamadi beamed at how the likes of Nduduzo Makhathini, Benjamin Jephta and others proudly spoke of JoJ on the global stages that they graced, prompting music makers from those parts of the world to reach out to her to express interest in participating. She explained: We have cultural exchanges with the Amersfoort Jazz Festival, the Sicily Jazz Festival, the Montreal Jazz festival and many others. As a producer, I sit in so many consortiums and committees where everyone sells their country and how jazz is defined over there. We are in a very good space as a brand that our own are able to go and spread the word about us, she continued. Jazz being taught at a tertiary education level in this country was something Chinoamadi said had been instrumental in propelling the music to even higher notes. Many younger musicians and fans have introduced her to music from Brazil and other parts of the world, which she said made her believe that the development of the genre in this country needed young ears. Supplied Joy of Jazz Supplied Joy of Jazz The 60 artists gracing the Dinaledi, Conga, Diphala, and Mbira stages this year include: The Baylor Project Jazzmeia Horn Phinda Matlala Siya Charles Kyle Shepherd Trio Ayanda Sikade @JoyOfJazz unveils this year's artist line up in Sandton and announces festival's extension from 2 to 3 days. Over 60 artists from 3 continents converge across 4 JHB stages this September. @City_Press @StandardBankArt — Women Love Each Other (@mbathambali493) April 29, 2025 Steve Bedi Ababhemu Quartet L'Wei Netshivhale Esperanza Spalding Mandla Mlangeni Cameron Ward Andile Yenana The Muses Amanda Black Muneyi Berita Elaine
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Jazz fans in for global musical journey at festival
The three-day Joy of Jazz festival will feature top talent from three continents, celebrating South Africa's rich jazz legacy. Musicians taking part in 26th Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival in September at the launch in Sandton yesterday. Picture: Nigel Sibanda From the inspiring isiXhosa sounds of jazz vocalist Nomfundo Xaluva, to popular American artist Jazzmeia Horn, music followers are in for a memorable treat at this year's three-day Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival. Unveiling a star-studded lineup yesterday in Joburg, organisers assured jazz fans of nights of live music, featuring more than 60 musicians from 15 countries and three continents – all performing at the Sandton International Convention Centre from 26 to 28 September. Mantwa Chinoamadi, CEO at T-Musicman and festival producer said: 'The line-up is focused on more than celebrating great music.' More than celebrating great jazz music 'We wanted to keep our eye on projecting and cementing the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Africa's premier jazz event, that is rooted in South Africa's undeniably rich and varied musical traditions – balancing the demands of jazz connoisseur patrons, while creating exciting entry points for the novice jazz lovers too.' Standard Bank head of brand experience Yolisa Koza said: 'While jazz will always pay homage to its roots, it is by its very nature, a music of innovation and forward momentum. ALSO READ: Joy of Jazz: The 'Black Jew' driving force behind music festival 'With over 40 years of championing the arts, we are thrilled by the 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz line-up.' The festival will be held on the Dinaledi Stage and will start with strong female voices. Strong female voices The performers signed up for the festival include Grammy Award-winning American bassist and composer, Esperanza Spalding, whose latest record with Brazilian Milton Nascimento honours the spirit of friendship. Other artists are Thandi Ntuli, with Blk Elijah & The Children of Moroë – featuring special guests Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse and Alec Khaoli.
IOL News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival returns with a global line-up to celebrate musical diversity
Artist Benjamin Jephta attended the launch of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz in Sandton on Tuesday. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers With four reputable stages including the Dinaledi, Conga, Diphala, and Mbira stages, the 26th edition of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (SBJOJ) festival is poised to shine the spotlight on various jazz-inspired musical styles cutting across a range of world musical cultures and heritage. The much-anticipated festival will be making its return to the Sandton Convention Centre from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28. Among those enlisted in this year's stellar line-up of icons and innovators who embody the soul of jazz are Oumou Sangare (Senegal), Esparenza Spalding, Jose James, both from the USA, as well as local stars that include Thandi Ntuli, Andile Yenana, Gabi Motuba, Billy Monama, Vusi Mahlasela, Moss Mogale, and Muneyi. In total, SBJOJ will feature more than 50 world-class performers from more than 10 countries. For the 2025 SBJOJ, the curators are thought to be putting together a quarter-century instalment that includes lifestyle experiences and must-see musical acts. This year's stellar line-up was unveiled during an event held at the Artistry in Sandton on Tuesday. The festival aims to present a kaleidoscopic vision of jazz, reflecting influences from Africa, Europe, East Asia, and the Americas. Each of the four stages will serve as a unique thematic platform; the Mbira stage will showcase where heritage meets harmony, while the Conga stage will ignite traditions, innovation, and pure jazz. The Dinaledi stage has been curated to spotlight icons and innovators, promising a riveting display of musical excellence. Musician Elaine at the Joy of Jazz launch. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers Jazz music fan, lover, and acclaimed broadcaster, Nothemba Madumo, visionary trumpeter Mandla Mlangeni, and jazz guitarist Monama, were some of the stars who attended the launch. As part of a special guitar-inspired performance, Monama is set to partner with guitar greats, Mahlasela and Moss Mogale under the collaborative under the banner "Guitar Convergence". "I am excited to bring music lovers a guitar convergence at this year's Joy of Jazz, and this year, I have invited great masters from the North, including Moss Mogale and Vusi Mahlasela," Monama quipped. In an intercontinental explorative collaboration that continues a heritage exchange between South Africa and the nordic world, Ababhemu Quartet (Sa/Den/Nor), made up of Swedish saxophonist Karl Martin Almqvist, pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, drummer Ayanda Sikadea, and Norwegian bassist Magne Thormodsaeter. Serving another durable Afro-European route, Swiss Big Band, and the Fischermanns Orchestra (Switzerland) bring their large open room sound to Jozi. Standard Bank's head of brand experience, Yolisa Kosa, said the three-day musical festival seeks to honour the young and the old with an exclusive musical experience. "While jazz will always pay homage to its roots, it is, by its very nature, a music of innovation and forward momentum. With over 40 years of championing the arts, we are thrilled by the 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz line-up — a celebration of transcendent stars, legendary jazz greats, a vibrant showcase of Standard Bank Young Artist awardees, and a bold, eclectic mix of styles designed to resonate with diverse audiences. "This year, we're especially proud to honour the powerful and enduring contributions of women in jazz, whose voices and artistry continue to shape the story of this music. We hope jazz lovers and curious newcomers alike will be enchanted by the rich, generous, and soul-stirring offerings this year's festival promises,' said Koza. [email protected]
