By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Joy of Jazz festival is returning after a two-year hiatus. … It is taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Kicking off the proceedings on the Conga stage will be the sensational baritone, Dumza Maswana, with a wondrous set Celebrating African Song that will perform with an all-star band of instrumentalists, pianist Andile Yenana, bassist Shane Cooper and drummer Sakhi Nompozolo, alongside reedman Sisonke Xonti with hornsman Sakhile Simani and Thandeka Mfinyongo on Uhadi.
Mandisi Dyantyi will also deliver some of 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) alongside Hope Masike (Zimbabwe).
Multi-award winning pianist and composer Bokani Dyer, saxophonists Linda Skhakhane alongside pianist Afrika Mkhize, drummer Sphelelo Mazibuko, bassist Benjamin Jephta and Siphamandla Dlamini will feature on the Dinaledi Stage presented by 702.
There will also be a set of tribute performances in celebration of key jazz figures who passed away in the last two years. Gloria Bosman will lead a 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 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 festival’s producer Mantwa Chinoamadi-Mutshinya says, Maude Street, West Street and Alice Lane will be transformed into one-ways at 2pm until Sunday, with a one-way towards 5th Street closed.
This, as the cream of the country’s jazz artists and musicians across the African continent converge in Johannesburg.
“We decided to introduce this Lounge Stage to create an entry point to the genre for more youthful music lovers who may find straight ahead jazz too intimidating,” said Chinoamadi-Mutshinya.
The Lounge Stage will feature sonic selectors like DJ Kenzhero, Tha Muzik, DJ Kinetic, uNdlovu – along with Ms Elisa The Selector, sound curators like Donnie Sanchez, Jazzy Vez and Khujo.