The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival returns next month in what is expected to be a major boost to Johannesburg's tourism industry.
The annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival returns to the Sandton International Conference Centre next month, a two-day event that is not only sure to delight music lovers but also stimulate a tourism boom for Johannesburg.
In an interview The CitizenFestival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi yesterday expressed optimism about the economic spin-off that would come from the city and its preparations.
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Ready for the Jazz Festival
“We are working with travel agencies from the US, Kenya and around the world to provide packages to tourists who want to travel to South Africa for the jazz festival,” Chinoamadi said.
With just weeks to go until Africa's premier jazz festival opens, Chinoamadi said the festival's project team is “ready to go, despite what the arts industry is telling us: we're not ready.”
“Once the artist lineup is announced, all that's left is marketing and selling tickets,” Chinoamadi said.
“Other final arrangements include arranging logistics, inspecting the venue and making a presentation to the joint steering committee, which includes the South African Police Service.
“We start planning the festival a year in advance.
“Every time the Standard Joy of Jazz Festival takes place in September, we take a break from October to November, write a report during that time, and then in December we come up with new ideas for the next festival.
“What we want to offer is an experience that feels like a journey from the artists, the advertising, to the moment you step into the space, to a grand finale that’s so much fun.
“No element of the plan is overlooked.
“We are encouraged and invigorated as Standard Bank Joy of Jazz celebrates its 25th anniversary.
“We are blessed to consistently present the finest jazz and lifestyle from South Africa and the world.
“The festival highlights that it is not only the premier jazz event on the African continent, but also a destination event that will drive economic and cultural development in the city and region.”
“This is an important contribution that we hope to grow and deepen into the future.”
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A festival showcasing a global vision
On September 27th and 28th, the festival will feature bold performances by 50 world-class musicians from over 10 countries, showcasing accents of jazz music from the African, European, East Asian and American continents.
They will forge a truly global vision of jazz as a musical expression that unifies the world.
Standard Bank group head of sponsorship, Bonga Sebesho, said the festival has “been the harmonious heartbeat of our corporate story for several years and our 25th year celebrations will be an unforgettable occasion.”
“As the largest bank in Africa with a long tradition in the arts, this platform reflects our dedication to creativity, inclusivity, growth and diversity.
“Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has not only celebrated the rich fabric of jazz, but has also acted as a catalyst for cultural exchange, fostering friendships through the universal language of music,” Sebesho said.
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The lineup also includes big names
Musical performances will feature up-and-coming musicians as well as jazz greats who have headlined the festival in the past.
Among them is Grammy Award-winning Chris Botti, who will be performing alongside trumpet virtuosos such as UK-based producer and horn player Matthew Halsall and consummate South African trumpeter Feya Faku.
The current jazz category will feature Standard Bank Young Award winner (SBYA) trumpeter Darren English, alongside acclaimed American pianist Kenny Banks Jr.
Also in attendance will be Chuchu Valdés, a Cuban jazz piano luminary with a musical career spanning more than 50 years.
Sibongile Mngoma, an SBYA alumnus and song stylist working in both jazz and classical music, will be joined by the incredible bassist and composer Victor Masondo.
The Conga Stage will feature a rare collaboration between pianists Keiko Matsui and Nokukhanya Dlamini, showcasing “Japan meets South Africa.”
Mandisi Diantis, Siparia Deltones, Tutu Puane and Fatoumata Diawara will also be wowing music fans on the same stage.
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