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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