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By Citizen Reporter

Journalist


PICS: Music explosion hits Joburg as Joy of Jazz festival returns

Music enthusiasts thronged to the Sandton Convention Centre for a collective eargasm.


Two days of a heavy dose of jazz, dancing, ululating, clapping of hands and stomping of feet, over the weekend marked the incredible return of the well-attended Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival in Johannesburg.

The event saw music enthusiasts thronging to the Sandton Convention Centre and – as it is old tradition – staying on until the early hours of the morning.

returns with a star-studded cast
Former president Kgalema Motlanthe and first lady Gugu Motlanthe were guests of honour at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. PHOTO/Ayanda Sitole/The Citizen
returns with a star-studded cast
Former president Thabo Mbeki & first lady Zanele Mbeki were guests of honour at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. PHOTO: Ayanda Sitole/The Citizen
returns with a star-studded cast
Award-winning singer Thandiswa Mazwai performs at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. PHOTO/Ayanda Sitole/The Citizen
returns with a star-studded cast
Guitarist and composer Billy Monama performs at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. PHOTO/Ayanda Sitole/The Citizen
returns with a star-studded cast
Icon afro-pop singer Ringo Madlingozi returned to the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. PHOTO: Ayanda Sitole/ The Citizen
returns with a star-studded cast
Duo Jaziel Brothers perform at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. PHOTO/Ayanda Sitole/The Citizen
returns with a star-studded cast
Award-winning singer Gloria Bosman performs at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. PHOTO/Ayanda Sitole/The Citizen
returns with a star-studded cast
Legendary Guitarist Selaelo Selota performs at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. PHOTO: Ayanda Sitole/The Citizen
returns with a star-studded cast
Multi-instrumentalist and heavyweight jazz musician Sipho Hotstix Mabuse performs at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. PHOTO: Ayanda Sitole/The Citizen
Afro-soul singer Zama Jobe took fans down memory lane singing hits from her debut and most popular album Ndawo Yami at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. PHOTO/Ayanda Sitole/The Citizen
Jazz explosion hits Joburg as Joy of Jazz festival returns after two-year break
Jazz musician Bhudaza Mapefaneremembering Tsepo Tshola at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, 25 November 2022. Photo: citizen.co.za/Nigel Sibanda
Jazz explosion hits Joburg as Joy of Jazz festival returns after two-year break
Dumza Maswana celebrating African Song at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, 25 November 2022. Photo: citizen.co.za/Nigel Sibanda
Jazz explosion hits Joburg as Joy of Jazz festival returns after two-year break
Mozambican jazz saxophonist featuring Jaco Maria at Dinaledi Stage at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, 25 November 2022. Photo: citizen.co.za/Nigel Sibanda
Jazz explosion hits Joburg as Joy of Jazz festival returns after two-year break
Afrosoul icon Ringo Madlingozi performs at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, 25 November 2022. Photo: citizen.co.za/Nigel Sibanda
Jazz explosion hits Joburg as Joy of Jazz festival returns after two-year break
Singer and songwriter Zamajobe performs at the 23rd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, 25 November 2022. Photo: citizen.co.za/Nigel Sibanda

From the soothing sounds of world-acclaimed guitarist Jimmy Dludlu, love songs of Ringo Madlingozi, to the traditionally-poetic Thandiswa Mazwai – the festival made an appeal to all, with Mzwai’s rendition of anti-apartheid protest songs like Letta Mbulu’s Jikijela ngamatshe (“throw stones”) – evoking memories of struggles waged by the June 1976 youth, who faced the might of armed police with stones.

ALSO READ: Jazz explosion hits Joburg as Joy of Jazz festival returns after two-year break

Words by Brian Sokutu. Photographs by Ayanda Sitole & Nigel Sibanda

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