Joy of Jazz Festival Kicks Off With Inaugural “Free the Jazz” Concert

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival is introducing a new addition to its 2026 programme with the inaugural “Free the Jazz” concert. This public event is slated for Heritage Day. The concert will take place on 24 September at the Sandton City Rooftop in Johannesburg. 

“Free the Jazz” hopes to make live jazz accessible to younger audiences. The programme will feature artists working in different musical genres. 

Photo: Instagram/@joyofjazz

The line-up includes Jazz Maestro Sbu, who won the Joy of Jazz #JazzReignited DJ search competition. Jazz and Afro-rock group The Brother Moves On will also perform, alongside Namibian house DJ and producer DJ Castro. Jazz vocalist, songwriter and composer Bokang Ramatlapeng and trumpeter Robin Fassie are also part of the programme.

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The Jazzaholics, featuring radio personalities Nothemba Madumo and Nonn Botha, will join the programme, while Kids Love Jazz will bring its sound to the event. Other music platforms connected to the festival include Sankayi Jazz Series, Hugh’s Jazz Club, Jozi Gold, Untitled Basement, Umanyano Lwe Jazz Festival and SAMPRA.

Photo: Instagram/@joyofjazz

The event starts at 10am and ends at 7pm. However, gates will open at 9am. Although entry is free, attendees must reserve tickets through Quicket. Admission is subject to venue capacity.

Organisers say the event is aimed at students, young professionals, and jazz fans. 

The Heritage Day event will lead into the main Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival, which takes place on 25 and 26 September. General admission day passes are listed at R1,150, while weekend passes cost R2,250.

Photo: Instagram/@joyofjazz

With “Free the Jazz”, the festival is adding a free public event focused on emerging talent to its annual programme. The concert also gives audiences an opportunity to experience  African sounds before the main Joy of Jazz programme begins.