The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz will pay tribute to South Africa’s rich musical heritage by honouring 10 of the country’s national cultural treasures, among them Alexandra’s Mahotella Queens.
The groups to be honoured with outstanding contribution awards which coincides with 20 years of democracy include Bayete, Harare, Hotline, Joy, Juluka, Mahotella Queens, Sakhile, Sankomota, Soul Brothers and Stimela.
They will be honoured at a ceremony at Montecasino on 6 September. Peter Tladi, head of T Musicman, said the decision to honour the 10 groups was motivated by the fact that music produced and performed by these artists fulfilled specific roles in enriching the souls of the people.
Although the objective of the apartheid regime was to divide and rule, Tladi said these musicians stood firm in their belief of uniting the nation through their music. He said the bands represented a generation of extraordinary individuals who spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of the country. He said they had contributed uniquely to the cultural landscape in the country.
By honouring them, Tladi said they were sending a message to the youth to revere their own legends and learn from them.
“We are delighted to once again recognise their immense contribution as we start Heritage Month,” Tladi said.
Previous recipients of the festival included legendary performers Sathima Bea, Thandi Klaasen, Abigail Kubeka, Dorothy Masuka and Sylvia Mdunyelwa, composer and trombonist Jonas Gwangwa, Grammy Award winner Hugh Masekela, veteran saxophonist and jazz journalist Don Albert, radio personality Mesh Mapetla and cultural activist Fitzroy Ngcukana.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 25 to 27 September.
