The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is turning up the volume on Africa’s premier jazz experience with an exhilarating all-star line-up, bold new programming concepts, and rich artistic collaborations. For the first time, the festival extends to a full three days of unmissable live music, deepening its celebration of jazz’s enduring spirit and timeless sound. The 2025 festival is crafted to celebrate the voices of virtuoso women, centering jazz’s African roots while noting the music’s rich cultures of collaboration
Set to take place on 26-28 September 2025 at the Sandton International Convention Centre, the festival will feature more than 60 musicians from across 15 countries and three continents, all performing in Africa’s most affluent square mile. Audiences can look forward to inspired musical pairings, innovative set concepts, and special one-off performances designed to ignite the soul.
This year, Africa’s Premiere Jazz festival will span over three days, showcasing an expertly curated four-stage offering of amazing Jazz. From intimate, soul-stirring sets to grand ensemble spectacles, the 2025 Joy of Jazz promises an unforgettable journey into the heart and future of jazz.
“The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz line-up is focused on more than celebrating great music. We wanted to keep our eye on projecting and cementing the SBJOJ 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. We are excited about where younger musicians are taking the music, whilst acknowledging the incredible voices of leading women of the music today,” says Mantwa Chinoamadi, CEO at T-Musicman, Producer of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
Jazz lovers can look forward to an exciting celebration of Mzansi’s unique guitar heritage rooted in Mamelodi by Guitar Convergence (SA) with Moss Mogale, Vusi Mahlasela and Billy Monama. The storytelling guitarist and composer, L’wei Netshivhale (SA) celebrates song and sound rooted in the greater Limpopo river basin.
“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,” says Yolisa Koza, Head of Brand Experience.
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The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is a demonstration of moving forward past the 25 years of Africa’s premier jazz festival that was celebrated last year. The festival continues to honour unbroken excellence in music showcasing, celebrating heritage and elegant lifestyle rooted in the noble sound of jazz. Featuring four stages showcasing the best jazz musicians from across Africa and the world, the festival will take over three nights with a series of activations across the city of Johannesburg and the surroundings leading up to the main event.
Bongi Sikelo 