As the sun dipped below the Sandton skyline, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival ignited the city with a vibrant pulse of rhythm, melody, and pure Mzansi magic.
My first time at this iconic event, hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre, was an unforgettable two-day celebration of music, culture, and community. I attended on Friday and Saturday, immersing myself in a stellar line-up of local and international acts, carefully curated to deliver world-class performances.
It was a musical revelation—a whirlwind of soul-stirring performances, vibrant crowds, and an atmosphere that celebrated jazz in all its glory. Stepping into the festival, I was swept up by the energy. The air buzzed with anticipation as jazz lovers from all walks of life—dressed in everything from sharp tailored suits to colorful Ankara prints—mingled under the glow of stage lights.
The festival’s setup was a masterclass in flow: multiple stages, from the intimate Mbira Stage to the electrifying Dinaledi Stage, ensured there was always a sound to chase. My Friday night kicked off with Beyond Vocal SA’s captivating acoustics, setting the tone for the weekend.
The energy soared when Elaine serenaded the crowd with songs from her new album, alongside fan favorites from her earlier work, culminating in a stellar cover of Brenda Fassie’s Weekend Special.
Velemseni’s performance was a highlight; the crowd swayed, some with eyes closed, lost in the music’s embrace. As one of my favorite musicians from Eswatini, her voice, layered with emotion, reminded me why events like Joy of Jazz are vital. When Amanda Black took the stage, her performance was so moving it brought tears to my eyes. The diversity of the lineup felt like a conversation, blending tradition with innovation, much like the African luxury aesthetic of a Seditsi Collection design. Naturally, I wore a pair of Seditsi Collection pants to celebrate the occasion.
The festival wasn’t just about the music—it was a full sensory experience. In the VIP Lounge, food and drinks flowed freely. My excitement peaked when I spotted pap with wors and chakalaka. Food stalls served fragrant bunny chow and spicy fries, while pop-up bars offered local wines and cocktails that matched the night’s vibe: bold, smooth, and unforgettable.
Between sets, I wandered through the crowd, catching snippets of conversations—musicians like Nduduzo Makhathini and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse debating chord progressions, fans raving about a trumpeter’s improvisation. It felt like a community united by jazz’s ability to transcend borders and speak to the soul.
A standout moment came on Saturday at the Dinaledi Stage, where the Benjamin Jephta Quintet celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Homecoming with a raw, powerful performance that left the audience roaring.
Another electrifying performance that left me captivated was Senegalese Alune Wade taking over the Conga Stage with soulful grooves and infectious energy.
When KB Motsilanyane shared that performing at Joy of Jazz was a lifelong dream, I was reminded of how this festival unearths talent and gives it a platform to shine. She’s an icon and a legend. She gave us brilliance. We sang and we danced as she took us on a nostalgic music journey.
The festival’s commitment to showcasing both established names and rising stars mirrors the ethos of South African creative platforms like SA Fashion Week. I missed Sunday’s performances, including South African star Lwei Music, whose marabi-infused rhythms echo the country’s rich heritage. He has shared stages with international heavyweights and local indie artist Muneyi, bringing global flair to the festival.
If I had one critique, it’s that the festival’s energy was almost too intoxicating—I wished I could clone myself to catch every act! The overlapping schedules meant tough choices, but that’s a testament to the festival’s depth. By the time the final notes rang out, I was already planning my return for 2026.
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and connection. For a first-timer like me, it was a masterclass in why jazz remains the heartbeat of South Africa’s artistic soul. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newbie, this festival will leave you humming its melodies long after the lights go down.
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| Romley at the Joy of Jazz |
My first time at this iconic event, hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre, was an unforgettable two-day celebration of music, culture, and community. I attended on Friday and Saturday, immersing myself in a stellar line-up of local and international acts, carefully curated to deliver world-class performances.
 |
| Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival Crowd |
It was a musical revelation—a whirlwind of soul-stirring performances, vibrant crowds, and an atmosphere that celebrated jazz in all its glory. Stepping into the festival, I was swept up by the energy. The air buzzed with anticipation as jazz lovers from all walks of life—dressed in everything from sharp tailored suits to colorful Ankara prints—mingled under the glow of stage lights.
 |
| Beyond Vocals SA |
 |
| Elaine |
The energy soared when Elaine serenaded the crowd with songs from her new album, alongside fan favorites from her earlier work, culminating in a stellar cover of Brenda Fassie’s Weekend Special.
 |
| Velemseni |
Velemseni’s performance was a highlight; the crowd swayed, some with eyes closed, lost in the music’s embrace. As one of my favorite musicians from Eswatini, her voice, layered with emotion, reminded me why events like Joy of Jazz are vital. When Amanda Black took the stage, her performance was so moving it brought tears to my eyes. The diversity of the lineup felt like a conversation, blending tradition with innovation, much like the African luxury aesthetic of a Seditsi Collection design. Naturally, I wore a pair of Seditsi Collection pants to celebrate the occasion.
 |
| Amanda Black |
The festival wasn’t just about the music—it was a full sensory experience. In the VIP Lounge, food and drinks flowed freely. My excitement peaked when I spotted pap with wors and chakalaka. Food stalls served fragrant bunny chow and spicy fries, while pop-up bars offered local wines and cocktails that matched the night’s vibe: bold, smooth, and unforgettable.
 |
| Nduduzo Makhathini on the right engaging crowd member |
Between sets, I wandered through the crowd, catching snippets of conversations—musicians like Nduduzo Makhathini and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse debating chord progressions, fans raving about a trumpeter’s improvisation. It felt like a community united by jazz’s ability to transcend borders and speak to the soul.
 |
| Benjamin Jephta |
Another electrifying performance that left me captivated was Senegalese Alune Wade taking over the Conga Stage with soulful grooves and infectious energy.
 |
| Alune Wade |
 |
| KB Motsilanyane |
The festival’s commitment to showcasing both established names and rising stars mirrors the ethos of South African creative platforms like SA Fashion Week. I missed Sunday’s performances, including South African star Lwei Music, whose marabi-infused rhythms echo the country’s rich heritage. He has shared stages with international heavyweights and local indie artist Muneyi, bringing global flair to the festival.
 |
| Lwei Music |
 |
| Muneyi |
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and connection. For a first-timer like me, it was a masterclass in why jazz remains the heartbeat of South Africa’s artistic soul. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newbie, this festival will leave you humming its melodies long after the lights go down.