Surrounded by hundreds of bankers, musicians and media gathered in Standard Bank’s Rosebank office for the launch of the Joy of Jazz festival on Tuesday.
The organisers and sponsors of the annual event revealed what patrons can look forward to from September 24 to 26 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Peter Tladi, the chief executive of T-Musicman and creator of the festival, thanked sponsors like Standard Bank, the provincial government and the Department of Arts and Culture.
“The sponsors have helped to minimise the impact of cost for music lovers who would otherwise feel the pinch. It democratises access to great music. Jazz is, after all, the music of democracy.
“The festival’s contribution to both the city and provincial economies speaks for itself.”
Tladi said jazz legends made the occasion special.
“It’s gratifying to have some of our greatest world travellers here. You can never find Hugh Masekela in South Africa! Pops Mohammed travels all over the world, too, but they made sure they were here,” he said.
The excitement in the room was palpable as US jazz artists like Cecile McLorin Salvant, Peabo Bryson, Yellow Jackets and Dee Alexander were announced. It peaked when Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri and Vusi Mahlasela were revealed.
Another cause for excitement was that the bank has extended its sponsorship.
Hazel Chimhandamba, the head of Group Sponsorships at Standard Bank, said: “We are excited to extend our 16-year association with the Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz festival for a further three years until 2017 and to continue to forge a close relationship with such an exciting and progressive genre of music.”
The festival will take place on four stages – the Dinaledi, Diphala, Conga and Mbira.
Tickets will be available at Computicket from Wednesday.
The rest of the line-up:
MARCUS MILLER (US)
HUGH MASEKELA, OLIVER MTUKUDZI featuring Shai-Shai Mbira Ensemble (SA, ZIM)
The 3 COHENS (Israel, US) HALSALL (UK)
NDUDUZO MAKHATHINI (SA)
WANDA BALOYI and JACO MARIA (SA)
DWIGHT TRIBLE (US)
WILLIAM PARKER (US)
JIMMY DLUDLU and Friends (SA)
LARRY CARLTON (US)
STEVE DYER (SA)
ESTELLE KOKOT (UK, SA, Switzerland)
LEE OSCAR (SA)
STIMELA (SA)
SIMPHIWE DANA (SA)
PAOLO FRESU,TRILOK GURTU, OMAR SOSA (ITALY, INDIA, CUBA)