For the first time ever, Free the Jazz, a free public concert took place on 24 September 2026, Heritage Day, at the Sandton City Rooftop. This this was a part of the broader celebrations leading up to the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival, which took place from 25 to 26 September at the Sandton Convention Centre.
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| Madala Kunene |
On Friday Evening, after arriving at the venue. I went straight to Conga Stage to watch Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba Ensemble. Their Performance was super amazing. After enjoying some refreshment I joined an industry colleague at Dinaledi Stage to indulge on Judith Sephuma. I love love aunty Judith, she gives me Life with her graceful stage presence.
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| Judith Sephuma |
Following after Judith was the exceptionally talented Internet Athi who happened to be very entertaining, his interaction with the audience accompanied by strong vocal pitch of his voice l. Internet Athi's songs are very well composed. I was left moved and rejuvenated by his inspiring lyrics.
What I love about the Joy of Jazz music festival is discovering new artist that I've never heard of. Like they say music is a universal language and they never lied. I know a few of Angelique Kijo's songs and seeing her performing live for the first time was a mind-blowing experience. The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is seated show, but Angelique Kijo's performance brought the Conga stage audiences to stand and dance.
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| Angelique Kijo |
Another highlight for me was discovering Nubya Garcia. I immediately fell in love with her stage presence as she blow her saxophone with grace and very lady like posture. She oozes "I'm a Queen" energy. Nubya hails all the way from Britain and her music is loved by many around the globe. Nubya looked stunning in her black flowy black outfit and her long hair tied up to the sides so it can flow on her back. She looked very stunning, one can tell shes been doing this for a whiļe by how she carries herself on stage.
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| Nubya Garcia |
The Friday closing Show by Kamasi Washington was equally moving. Kamasi is also a well renowned American composer and saxophonist. I love his signature style of African print kimonos and the afro looks good on him. Kamasi plays saxophone for Kendrick Lamar and his popular songs "The rhythm changes" and "Street fighter mas" are loved all over the world.
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| Kamasi Washington |
On Saturday I was a bit late because of the weather, I had to change an outfit. As you know, fashion is first language and style is my personal identity. I had to show up in style even though it was chilly. I missed the Saturday's opening shows but arriving to Manana perfomance was totally mind-blowing.
I really wanted to see Ziza Muftic singing in tongues. I was hurt.
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| Manana |
Manana healed me proper a rendition "Sun Sets on Beautiful Days". Ndumiso Manana is University of Cape Town Alumnus named 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music. Manana is a multi-faceted singer-songwriter and producer from eSwatini, has rapidly established himself as a distinctive voice in contemporary music. His music is rich and has evolving sound that blends electronic dance music, soulful R&B, Afrobeats, Amapiano fusion, and poignant acoustic ballads.
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| Ibrahim Maalouf |
I also enjoyed totally enjoyed Ibrahim Maalouf & The Trumpets of Micheal - Ange Vol 2. I only caught the last song of his performance, I have to check his music, he's also a well known talented trumpeter from Lebanon.
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| Dumza Maswana |
I had an exclusive backstage moment with Dumza Maswana before jumping on stage for his performance. His performance was accompanied by Umngqungqo ochestral experience. Dumza is Well-known for the singular depth of his soothing baritone voice, his music fuses tradition, spirituality and jazz to create sonic experiences that uplift, inspire and heal. He writes and sings from a place of knowing, reflecting all that he has experienced and paying homage to his culture and the music that inspires him.
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| Floetry |
Floetry reminded me of my well travelled friend who studied in America and stayed there for a sometime while working there, when she returned back from America we used to listen to the likes of Jill Scot, Makeda and Floetry was always on our playlist as we hangout during our lonely covid days away from home. I wished for her to be there with me watching Floetry dancing and singing to our fave songs.
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| Ndabo Zulu |
Saturday evening closing shows were very hectic at Conga stage graced by Ndabo Zulu and Mgidi Ensemble accompanied by Nduduzo Makhathini, Dalisu Ndlazi, Sphelo Mazibuko, Gontse Makene, Linda Sikhakhane, Simon Manana. Muneyi and Paras "Sibalukhulu" Dlamini.
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| Nduduzo Makhathini |
Nduduzo Makhathini and Muneyi's serenaded us with their recently released songs "Khalaṅwaha" and "Ḽiṅwalo ḽa Mubebi" South African jazz pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini collaborated with singer-songwriter and guitarist Muneyi on the track "Ḽiṅwalo ḽa Mubebi" and "Khalanwaha"
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| Muneyi |
Muneyi is a Tshivenda folk singer whose greatest strength is his vulnerability. Muneyi’s songs are deeply spiritual, tinged by a reflective tone that commands absolute vulnerability. He sings about the nature of love and loss and life, through the lens of personal reflection, and the result is graceful.
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| Thandiswa Mazwai |
While it was getting even hotter at Conga stage, I rushed to Mbira stage to watch Thandiswa Mazwai shutting down the show singing tribute to Hugh Masekela. When I arrived at Mbira everyone was on their feet as King Tha performed the legend bra Hugh Masikela popular song "Thanayi" to close the show. King Tha left the audience askng for more but honestly we were fed and full. The ticket prices are worth it.
