The Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz annual showcase returns to the Sandton Convention Centre from September 24 to 26. We pick the must-see acts this year.
Marcus Miller
Two-time Grammy Award winner Miller from the US is not only a highly talented producer and composer, but an acclaimed bassist and instrumentalist who has produced for Miles Davis, as well as an impressive list of stars, including the now late Luther Vandross, Eric Clapton, Jay Z, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack, to name but a few. His latest tour is called Afrodeezia.
.Don’t miss his performance on the Dinaledi Stage on Saturday
Steve Dyer
Renowned multiple award-winning South African saxophonist, composer and producer Dyer will present a show called Confluence that will see him perform with an intergenerational group, including Andile Yenana, Thandi Ntuli, Mandla Mlangeni, Lungile Kunene and Amaeshi Ikechi. The show will feature two pianos.
.Catch Dyer on the Dinaledi Stage on Saturday
Nduduzo Makhathini
Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz winner Makhathini will be appearing in a collaborative performance with American and Danish artists. His latest album, Listening to the Ground, was released this year, and he has worked with the likes of the now late Busi Mhlongo, Feya Faku, Thandiswa Mazwai and Jimmy Dludlu.
.Catch him on the Dinaledi Stage on Saturday
Jimmy Dludlu
Dludlu remains a must-see after his many years as one of the country’s leading contemporary jazz musicians. He will perform with Sara Tavares from Cape Verde, Manou Gallo from Ivory Coast, Mingas from Mozambique and Nono Nkoane from South Africa.
.Catch him on the Conga Stage on Friday
Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi
Attendees of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival missed out on the duo after Mtukudzi had visa issues. Neither Masekela nor Mtukudzi need any introduction, and their previous live performances together received glowing reviews.
.Don’t miss this heavyweight performance on the Conga Stage on Saturday
Vusi Mahlasela
Highly acclaimed musician and holder of numerous awards and accolades Mahlasela has shared the stage with the likes of Paul Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Angélique Kidjo, Hugh Masekela and others. He was a performer at the now late Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday. He was one of the highlights at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival earlier this year and is sure to be one of the highlights next weekend.
.Catch him on the Mbira Stage on Friday
Ray Phiri and Stimela
Gold- and platinum-selling Afro-fusion band Stimela will join Phiri, among the most critically acclaimed jazz musicians in South Africa, for a not-to-be-missed performance. Phiri and Stimela are iconic, and this show should be on every jazz lover’s bucket list.
.Catch them on the Mbira Stage on Saturday