Johannesburg is about to rediscover its heartbeat. From 26 to 28 September 2025, the Sandton Convention Centre will transform into a sanctuary of sound as the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz returns—bigger, bolder, and more breath-taking than ever.
For over two decades, this festival has stood as South Africa’s premier jazz celebration, and 2025 promises to raise the bar once more. With over 60 musicians from 15 countries performing across four world-class stages, this edition will be a kaleidoscope of culture, rhythm, and innovation.
A Line-up That Bridges Worlds
Headlining this year’s roster is the Grammy-winning visionary Esperanza Spalding, a genre-defying force whose voice, bass, and spirit embody jazz’s ever-evolving essence. She will be joined by a constellation of powerhouses:
Lakecia Benjamin, the fiery saxophonist redefining modern jazz.
Oumou Sangaré, the Malian songbird whose voice carries Africa’s soul.
Meshell Ndegeocello, whose music defies categories, blending funk, soul, and jazz.
Thandi Ntuli and Jazzmeia Horn, two of the most compelling female voices on today’s stage.
South African stars Amanda Black and Tresor, injecting home-grown flair.
Rising luminaries—winners of the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards—ensuring that tomorrow’s brilliance shines alongside today’s legends.
This line-up reflects a festival that is not just global, but deeply African. It is as much about celebrating the genre’s past as it is about shaping its future.
More Than Music—A Cultural Experience
Joy of Jazz 2025 will be an immersive journey designed for every kind of listener.
Four Thematic Stages—From intimate solos to orchestral grandeur, each stage offers a unique soundscape.
A Celebration of Women in Jazz—Spotlighting artistry, resilience, and leadership in music.
Pan-African Fusion—Cross-continental collaborations where rhythm becomes a universal language.
Icons Meet New Voices—A space where legends mentor, inspire, and play alongside emerging talent.
And for the first time, the festival expands into a three-day format, running from Friday to Sunday, with doors opening at 18:00 each evening.
Tickets & Access
Day Passes: From R1,350
Two-Day Combo: R2,250
Full Weekend Access: R3,250
Perks: Standard Bank cardholders enjoy up to 15% off
The Sandton Convention Centre, with ample parking and world-class facilities, remains the perfect home for this internationally recognised festival.
Why This Year Matters
Joy of Jazz has never been just about the music—it has always been about connection. In 2025, that connection deepens.
It’s about legacy meeting innovation, where Esperanza Spalding shares the bill with South Africa’s freshest talents. It’s about global and local fusion, with artists from Africa, the Americas, and beyond converging on one stage. Above all, it’s about community and culture, where jazz becomes the language that unites us.
In Closing
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2025 is not just a festival—it’s an experience, a movement, a three-day communion of rhythm, soul, and spirit. For anyone who has ever been touched by the transformative power of music, this is a journey you cannot afford to miss.
This September, Johannesburg will not simply host a jazz festival. It will host a renaissance.
Tickets are now open. The only question is: will you be there when the music takes over?
