Joy of Jazz promises fresh sounds with 2026 artist lineup

International Jazz Day arrived with exciting news for jazz lovers as the 2026 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz officially unveiled its artist lineup on Wednesday evening.

With promises of fresh sounds and memorable experiences, this year’s festival aims to introduce audiences to new sonic worlds while honouring jazz’s rich legacy.

Festival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi said the festival prides itself on bringing audiences first-time experiences.

“We love it that we are the first-ever. It's the first time you'll see Floetry at the Joy of Jazz. It's the first time you'll see Kamasi at the Joy of Jazz,” she said.

“We want our platform to always be bringing in something new, something fresh.”

Held in a venue draped in the legacy of jazz icon Hugh Masekela, the launch event saw media, artists and jazz enthusiasts gather in anticipation as the lineup for the festival’s four stages, Dinaledi, Diphala, Conga and Mbira, was revealed.

The two-day festival, set to take place from 25 to 26 September at the Sandton Convention Centre, continues its long-standing commitment to platforming both established and emerging voices in jazz and contemporary African music.

Since its inception in 1997, the festival has consistently championed musical innovation and cultural storytelling through its curation.

Among the artists announced was Cape Town independent artist Internat Athi, who is set to perform on the Mbira stage alongside artists he regards as inspirations, including Thandiswa Mazwai.

Reflecting on the opportunity, he described the experience as deeply affirming.

“Getting to share a stage that’s so prestigious with so many legends that I reference in my work, it’s such a huge affirmation,” he said.

Chinoamadi explained that intentionality and representation remain central to the festival’s vision, particularly in creating greater visibility for women within jazz spaces.

“We’re intentional about using the space, especially the jazz space that has always deprived women of being upfront. We’re going to put them out there to show that they are leaders.”

She added that the festival’s programming is carefully curated to appeal across generations.

“We believe that this festival is a cultural mecca, a gathering of families and communities.

“If we make it too young, older audiences are left at home. If we make it too old, younger audiences are left at home. Then we don’t cover the whole community.”

This year’s stages will also reflect major historical milestones in South Africa, including the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising and 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March.

The Dinaledi stage, themed The Heartbeat of Jazz Innovation, will feature performances by artists such as Ibrahim Maalouf, McCoy Mrubata and Judith Sephuma, including a tribute to Kippie Moeketsi.

The Diphala stage will focus on women’s voices and musical leadership, showcasing artists including Nubya Garcia, Gabi Motuba and Lorraine Klaasen.

Meanwhile, the Conga stage will celebrate African rhythmic traditions through performances by Tank and the Bangas, Reza Khota, Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba, among others.

Lastly, Mbira is coming in with its blend of jazz with neo-soul, poetry and contemporary expression being highlighted through emerging voice and storytellers, these artists being Buhlebendalo Mda, Zawadi YaMungu, Anaïs Rosso, Xolisa Dlamini and many more artists.