Music, mentorship, entrepreneurship and creativity will take centre stage this July as the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz presents Jazz for Young People (J4YP), a dynamic youth-focused festival designed to empower the next generation of South African talent.
By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Award-winning singer, songwriter and guest curator Msaki joins the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz’s Jazz for Young People initiative, helping inspire and empower the next generation of South African creatives through music, mentorship, entrepreneurship and skills development. The youth-focused festival takes place on 25 July at the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, celebrating talent, opportunity and the spirit of young people shaping the future. Photo Credit: Supplied
Taking place on Saturday, 25 July 2026, at the National School of the Arts (NSA) in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, the one-day event promises an exciting celebration of youth culture, artistic expression and community engagement, bringing together aspiring musicians, entrepreneurs, creatives and families for a unique festival experience.
Running from 09:00 to 18:00, Jazz for Young People places young people at the heart of both the programme and the production process, creating opportunities for participation, learning and leadership while raising funds in support of the National School of the Arts, one of South Africa’s most respected institutions for artistic education.
This year’s edition carries added significance as South Africa marks 50 years since the historic Soweto Uprising, a defining moment in the country’s struggle for freedom led by courageous young people. In honour of that legacy, J4YP seeks to inspire a new generation by creating meaningful opportunities for growth, creativity and self-expression.
At the forefront of this year’s programme is acclaimed singer-songwriter, composer and cultural activist Msaki, who serves as the festival’s guest curator. Through her Fetch Your Life Foundation, Msaki has become a powerful advocate for youth development, mentorship and purpose-driven living, making her a fitting choice to guide this year’s celebration.
Known for her deeply personal artistry and commitment to social impact, Msaki will not only curate the performance line-up but will also lead workshops designed to equip young people with practical skills and inspiration. The workshops will focus on creativity, entrepreneurship, wellness, technology and personal development, reinforcing the festival’s mission of nurturing well-rounded future leaders.
Ahead of the main event, a series of developmental workshops will be hosted at JSM Academy in Soweto, the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein and the East Rand School of the Arts in Daveyton, creating additional opportunities for youth engagement and skills development.
The festival’s performance programme will showcase an impressive collection of emerging talent drawn from some of South Africa’s leading music institutions. Young musicians from schools, universities and music academies will take to the stage, demonstrating the depth of talent being cultivated across the country.
Among the featured performers are the National School of the Arts Band, Khutlo Tharo School of the Arts, East Rand School of the Arts, Pro Arte Alphen Park Performing and Creative Arts High School, Spartan High School, Sacred Heart College Jazz and Marimba Band, JSM Academy, the University of the Witwatersrand Jazz Band, Central Johannesburg TVET College Music Department, Music Academy of Gauteng, Vuyo Viwe, Mahubo Band and NU-Bam & The Band.
For many of these performers, the festival represents an invaluable opportunity to share their work with wider audiences while gaining experience in a professional performance environment.
Beyond the music, Jazz for Young People offers a comprehensive educational and entrepreneurial programme aimed at equipping participants with practical skills and industry exposure. Masterclasses, mentorship sessions, exhibition spaces and a youth marketplace will provide platforms for young entrepreneurs, artists and innovators to showcase their products, services and creative ideas.
The festival’s commitment to youth empowerment extends behind the scenes, where young volunteers will work alongside experienced arts and entertainment professionals to gain hands-on experience in event management, customer relations, production and operations. These opportunities are designed to help participants build confidence, expand their networks and prepare for careers within the creative economy.
Young entrepreneurs are also being encouraged to apply for exhibition space, creating opportunities to showcase food, fashion, crafts, visual art, photography and other creative ventures to festival attendees.
As South Africa continues to seek innovative ways to support youth development and job creation, Jazz for Young People stands out as a powerful example of how arts and culture can serve as vehicles for education, empowerment and economic participation.
More than just a music event, J4YP embodies the spirit of possibility, giving young people the tools, platforms and encouragement they need to shape their own futures while celebrating the creativity that continues to define South Africa’s cultural landscape.
With music, mentorship and meaningful opportunities all under one roof, Jazz for Young People is set to become one of the most impactful youth-centred cultural events on Johannesburg’s 2026 calendar.
