Over two fun-filled days, across four stages, jazz lovers are reintroduced to the music, while novices discover the magic of jazz.
This year’s programme features a mix of international and South African artists, with Grammy-winning Beninese musician Angélique Kidjo leading the bill for international artists, while Kamasi Washington makes his Joy of Jazz debut.
The South African jazz artists performing at the festival include Thandiswa Mazwai, Judith Sephuma, McCoy Mrubata, Khaya Mahlangu, and Ndabo Zulu.
The event marks 50 years since the Soweto Uprising and 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March, and the performances show how each anniversary is woven into the programme.
The inclusion of 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners Gabi Motuba and Manana represents the future of the Jazz genre, and the project “4 Bass Lines” brings together AusTebza, Rochelle Rautenbach, Chantal Willie-Petersen, and Orlanda Da Conceição for a collaboration centrering women instrumentalists.