The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival has opened its 27th edition, returning to the Sandton Convention Centre this Friday and Saturday.
The two-day event has grown from 1,800 attendees in 2000 to more than 25,000 festivalgoers annually.
This year’s programme combines a celebration of jazz with reflection on South Africa’s cultural history.
Johannesburg is enjoying a major week on its live music scene, with the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz following the highly successful Scorpion Kings event at FNB Stadium.
The 2026 festival also coincides with two major national milestones: the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising and 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March.
Festival Producer Mantwa Chinoamadi had this to say:
“This year, we are intentional about curating a programme that reflects where we come from, while boldly stepping into where we’re going.”
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026 lineup spans generations
International names headline the 2026 Joy of Jazz lineup.
Grammy-winning singer Angélique Kidjo and acclaimed saxophonist Kamasi Washington will both make their Joy of Jazz debuts.
Ibrahim Maalouf and UK vocalist Nubya Garcia add further international weight.
A strong South African contingent includes Thandiswa Mazwai, who will pay tribute to legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela.
“His music shaped not just jazz, but the spirit of this country,” Mazwai says of the late musician. “To reinterpret his work on this stage is both an honour and a responsibility.”
Mazwai’s tribute gives audiences an opportunity to revisit the work of Hugh Masekela, affectionately known as Bra Hugh.
His music remains closely tied to South Africa’s cultural and political history.
Five stages bring different sounds to Joy of Jazz
Five stages will carry the weekend’s programme, giving festivalgoers a broad mix of jazz, soul, African rhythms and contemporary sounds.
The Dinaledi Stage anchors the festival with large-scale performances from Ibrahim Maalouf, McCoy Mrubata and Judith Sephuma.
It will also host Khaya Mahlangu’s tribute to Kippie Moeketsi.
The Diphala Stage puts women in jazz at the centre, with performances from Nubya Garcia, Gabi Motuba and Lorraine Klaasen.
The “4 Bass Lines” showcase will bring together four women bassists: AusTebza, Rochelle Rautenbach, Chantal Willie-Petersen and Orlanda Da Conceição.
The Conga Stage focuses on rhythm-driven performances and African musical traditions.
Its programme includes Tank and the Bangas, Reza Khota, Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba.
The Mbira Stage blends jazz with neo-soul, poetry and contemporary expression.
Floetry, Nomfusi and Anaïs Rosso feature on the programme, alongside a tribute to Busi Mhlongo.
The stage will also feature Thandiswa Mazwai, who will close out the programme with her interpretations of Masekela’s songbook.
Joy of Jazz brings major economic impact
Standard Bank Group Head of Sponsorship Bonga Sebesho has linked the festival’s cultural role to its economic footprint.
“As a bank we are proud to make art possible and in doing so, make jazz possible,” he says.
The event has historically generated more than R34.5 million in direct spending.
It has also contributed close to R86 million to the Gauteng economy, while supporting more than 1,200 temporary and permanent jobs.
Joy of Jazz road closures: What motorists need to know
Motorists and commuters should plan alternative routes on Friday and Saturday.
Road closures around the Sandton Convention Centre will be in effect from 2pm until midnight on both days.
Maude Street will become one-way between 5th Street and West Street.
On West Street, the lanes closest to the venue will close. The lanes further from the Convention Centre will remain open to two-way traffic.
The same arrangement will apply on Alice Lane.
The lanes closest to the venue will close, while the outer lanes remain open in both directions.
Joy of Jazz 2026: What festivalgoers need to know
The festival will operate on a fully cashless system.
No cash payments will be accepted at service points.
Uber drop-offs and pick-ups will operate from two designated locations: the corner of West and Maude Streets, and the intersection of West and 5th Street.
Organisers are asking festivalgoers not to request e-hailing rides directly at the venue doors.
They also advise against sharing a location pin from the venue, as this can cause significant delays.
Ticketmaster will be on site for ticket verification.
On-site ticket sales will be available from 5pm to 10pm on both nights.
Joy of Jazz stage locations
Festivalgoers can find the stages at the following locations:
- Mbira Stage: Level 2, Exhibition 2
- Conga Stage: Level 0, Exhibition 1
- Diphala Stage: Level 2, Ballroom
- Dinaledi Stage: Level 5, Pavilion
- Lounge Jazz Stage: Level 0, near the food court
A food court will operate at the Maude Street Loading Bay.
The Sandton Convention Centre’s ablution facilities can accommodate up to 5,000 guests.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the venue.
A designated outdoor smoking area is available on Level 2. Patrons can also exit the building to smoke on Maude Street.
Joy of Jazz 2026 tickets and prices
General admission tickets are available through Ticketmaster at:
- R1,150 — Friday or Saturday day pass
- R2,250 — full weekend pass covering Friday and Saturday
Standard Bank cardholders qualify for up to 15% off, subject to availability and the applicable terms and conditions.
The offer is limited to two tickets per person. Payment must be made with a valid Standard Bank debit, cheque or credit card.
For the full two-day Joy of Jazz programme, stage details and additional festival information, visit the official Joy of Jazz website.
The 2026 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26.
