Road closures, musical roads: Sandton prepares for Jazz extravaganza

From local jazz giants Thomas Dyani, Marcus Wyatt, Ernie Smith, McCoy Mrubatha, Nduduzo Makhathini, Titi Luzipho and Miguel Rodriguez, to Swiss harpist Andreas Vollenweider – the two-day annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, in session tomorrow, features a superb lineup to enthral music enthusiasts.

With throngs of jazz disciples from across the continent descending on Johannesburg for the continent’s jazz extravaganza at the Sandton Convention Centre, organisers have taken no chances in ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians, with road closures around the precinct, set to be erected from today.

According to festival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi, West Street lanes closest to the venue will be closed, with lanes furthest away operated as dual carriage open for traffic.

“Maude Street will be converted into one-way traffic from 5th Street to West Street,” said Chinoamadi.

“On Alice Lane, the lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed, with lanes furthest away being operated as dual carriage open for traffic.

“These road closures and changes will come into effect today and tomorrow from 2pm to midnight.”

World-renowned percussionist Dyani will be paying tribute to Johnny Mbizo Dyani, his late father and legendary jazz pioneer.

Dyani has toured the world with bands like the sensational acid jazz group Incognito, award-winning pianist and composer Jason Robelo, Mali’s incredible singer Oumou Sangare, and the Grammy-nominated group Les Nubians, among a long list of collaborators.

The performance, billed as Herbie Tsoaeli’s Afrikan Time Jazz Assembly for Johnny, will also feature young bassists Viwe Mkizwana and Dalisu Ndlazi.

The band will play the music of the late maestro, with added inspiration and a deeper sense of purpose. Johnny Mbizo Dyani was a South African jazz double bassist, vocalist, pianist and composer.

In addition to being a key member of The Blue Notes – the historic SA band with whom he left for exile in 1964 – he is credited for having taken South African jazz and the message of the struggle against apartheid to the world.

He was also a key figure in the creation of the free-jazz movement in the United Kingdom, in particular, and in Europe, where he settled before his death in 1986.

“We are excited about curating the best possible festival that balances new and exciting music, with an appreciation for our great jazz heritage,” said Chinoamadi.

“The series of tributes to our great pioneer is an example of this. It connects our young and contemporary jazz stars with the work of some of our iconic legends.

“This creates new audiences for the master works in our (music) history, and allows our future legends to stand on the strong shoulders of our giants.”