Mzansi’s premier jazz festival will return jazz lovers to inspired rhythms this summer for the 23rd instalment of the Joy of Jazz at the Sandton Convention Centre on 25 – 26 November. The 2022 Joy of Jazz will be a thrilling presentation of the Ultimate African Jazz Experience, a joyful groove against the funk occasioned by the slump of the past two years of pandemic restrictions.
Kicking off proceedings on the Conga stage, the sensational baritone, Dumza Maswana with wondrous set Celebrating African Song will perform with an all star band on impeccable instrumentalists, pianist Andile Yenana, bassist Shane Cooper and drummer Sakhi Nompozolo alongside reedman Sisonke Xonti with hornsman Sakhile Simani, and Thandeka Mfinyongo on Uhadi. They find fine balance in the incredibly gifted singer songwriter, Mandisi Dyantyis who will lift audiences up with his infectious hymns.
The band, Mahube with Music From Southern Africa features saxophonist Steve Dyer (South Africa), vocalists Muneyi and Siya Makuzeni (South Africa) and Xixel Langa (Mozambique) along with mbira Hope Masike (Zimbabwe).
Then there’s the much anticipated showcase of multi award winning pianist and composer, Bokani Dyer’s Project Radio Sechaba performed for the first time premier jazz stage for the first time. One of the most exciting saxophonists and composers of his generation, Linda Skhakhane, with a high-powered quintet that includes pianist Afrika Mkhize, drummer Sphelelo Mazibuko, bassist Benjamin Jephta and Siphamandla Dlamini on the Dinaledi Stage presented by 702.
Along with this stream of strong youthful headline acts, the festival’s return is buoyed by a spirit of resilient, elegant recovery plus a set of tribute performances in celebration of key jazz figures who passed away in the past two years. Saxophonist, and composer from Budaza will pay fitting tribute to the village pope, Tshepo Tshola; this set along with the performance by prodigiously gifted songstress, Maleh featuring Leomile and Lioness will hold up the musical flag for Lesotho’s musical marvels.
In another notable salutation, Gloria Bosman will lead a glorious celebration of the music and legacy of the late grand matriarch of song, Sibongile khumalo. The Horn Summit, A Tribute to Bra Johnny Mekoa will honour the great trumpet maestro and founder of the Music Academy of Gauteng. The tribute performance will feature Mekoa’s former colleagues and some of the great alumni of his music school. These include saxophonists Khaya Mahlangu and Mthunzi Mvubu, trumpeters Sydney Mavundla and Prince Lengoasa, trombonist Malcom Jiyane, pianist Mongezi Conjwa and bassist Steven Mabona along with Hendrick Mojeki on vocals.
The musical magic of the people of Mozambique will be given fine expression by Maputo’s own Moreira Chonguiça with Irmandade (Brotherhood) featuring Jaco Maria. The guitar wizard of Maputo, Jimmy Dludlu will also ascend to the Conga Stage to wow jazz lovers with his singular sound. The enthralling voice of SA pop MSAKI and the Golden Circle are also set to give an unmissable performance for the ages. Charl Duplesis will feature the masterful Ziza Muftic and Thandi Ntuli in a thrilling collaborative experience.
The Mbira Stage-powered By Sampra will showcase some of the musical mavericks defining mzansi’s soundscape beyond the purview of the confines of genre, Thandiswa Mazwai, Brenda Mtambo Re-Framed, Press and The Gathering With Ntsika.
The 23rd instalment registers a nod to the festival’s resilience with elegance following what has been the toughest two years in the music industry and live performance based events across the world.
Festival Producer, Mantwa Chinoamadi-Mutsinya says, “We see this as the year of recovery for us as a festival, but also for the whole local music ecosystem. The industry has been under severe strain for the past two years. We’ve chosen to use this year’s festival as a catalytic investment in the recovery for local talent. Joy of Jazz has also been a central platform for the development of jazz talent over the past 23 years. As we rebuild from the hiatus of the pandemic we thought it prudent to prioritise local music and talent.”
Along with the premier musical offering, festival organisers, TMusicman in collaboration with Synergy Business Events are presenting the inaugural 2022 Joy of Jazz “Music and Lifestyle Experience (Expo).
The Expo aims to attract 3 000 visitors and over 100 exhibitors. It is open to both concert and non-concert goers and highlights the festival’s focus on economic recovery and development.
According to the MD of Synergy Business Events Mr Tiisetso Tau “This collaboration seeks to address the following: to create and give a platform to brands and businesses that form part of the music and lifestyle business value chain to showcase their offerings, to create a networking environment for the aforementioned businesses amongst themselves and with corporate South Africa, SMME’s and government to explore, discuss and unlock opportunities as well as look at ways to disrupt how Joy of Jazz Music and Lifestyle Experience (Expo) is delivered to concert goers”.
“We are elated as the GTA because this authentic Jazz Experience event is back on our signature events calendar adding the much needed energy, zeal and enhanced reasons to explore our golden city region more. Jazz forms part of the soul and social fabric of the destination Gauteng story and the Joy of Jazz has been our magical transmission channel and stage for this important heritage and offering. We are looking forward to the hosting of this event as we use events to drive increased visitation and the building of a solid events sector that creates new jobs and sustains existing ones,” explained the excited GTA CEO Sthembiso Sthe Dlamini.
The 2022 Joy of Jazz focus on economic recovery is made possible by the industry stewardship of the T-Musicman team, Executive Producer Peter Tladi and its partners. These include, The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gauteng Tourism, SAMPRA, MNS Attorneys, Southern Sun, and Radio 702.
For more updates follow us on social media platforms: @JoyofJazz and website: www.joyofjazz.co.za
