In a thrilling announcement for jazz enthusiasts, American jazz icon Wynton Marsalis is set to join the star-studded line-up for the 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (SBJOJ) festival.
Marsalis will headline the Dinaledi stage alongside the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra (JLCO), bringing his unmatched talent to South Africa this spring.
The celebrated festival, hailed as Africa’s premier jazz event, will take place from September 26 to September 28, 2025, at the Sandton International Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
It is explained that over the course of three immersive days, attendees can expect to be treated to a vibrant jazz and lifestyle celebration featuring more than 60 world-class musicians from 15 countries across three continents with Marsalis and the JLCO are scheduled to perform only on Friday and Sunday, showcasing a spectacular array of jazz talent.
With a career spanning over four decades, Marsalis is renowned as a jazz titan. His storied journey encompasses over 120 albums spanning both jazz and classical music, marking him as a prolific figure in the industry.
The music sensation is unique in his recognition, holding the distinction of being the only artist to win Grammy Awards in both jazz and classical music in the same year for two consecutive years, 1983 and 1984.
Additionally, he accomplished an unprecedented feat by winning Grammy Awards for five consecutive years from 1983 to 1987. His crowning achievement came in 1997 when he became the first jazz musician to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Music, cementing his legacy in the world of music.
“Adding Wynton Marsalis to the 2025 program firms up the straight-ahead jazz element in our curatorial vision,” remarks Mantwa Chinoamadi, CEO of T-Musicman and producer of the SBJOJ festival.
“By inviting him, we also signal our commitment to the shared cultural and democratic values that connect South Africa and the United States. Marsalis is also a friend of the festival, and we could not miss an opportunity to host him in Joburg at this time.”
Among the highlights will be a special tribute to the late Bheki Mseleku, featuring a performance from the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz alum, pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, further enriching the festival's dedication to honouring jazz voices on the African continent.
Bonga Sebesho, Standard Bank Group Head of Sponsorships, expressed excitement about Marsalis' participation, stating, “We are thrilled to once again host the global icon that is Wynton Marsalis and look forward to him serenading jazz lovers at the three-day festival. His addition will make the event a memorable occasion. Marsalis is not only a world-class musician but also a creative entrepreneur whose journey in the arts is inspiring to both the young and old.”
Standard Bank, a proud supporter of the arts for over 40 years, recognises the significance of cross-cultural exchange in fostering the growth of the creative industry. Sebesho notes, “We believe cross-cultural exchange further grows the creative industry, opening doors for global partnerships.”
Saturday Star