Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026 Full Lineup | 27th Edition – Tickets & Stage Guide
Last updated: 21 September 2026
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026 returns to the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 25–26 September, bringing four stages, international jazz stars, South African legends, genre-crossing collaborations and a series of tributes celebrating the country’s musical heritage.
Now in its 27th edition, the festival features artists including Angélique Kidjo, Kamasi Washington, Ibrahim Maalouf, Nubya Garcia, Floetry, Tank and the Bangas, Thandiswa Mazwai, Judith Sephuma, McCoy Mrubata, Nomfusi and Nduduzo Makhathini.
The 2026 programme is built around four stages — Dinaledi, Diphala, Conga and Mbira — giving festivalgoers access to different sides of contemporary jazz, African music, soul, poetry and experimental sounds.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026 Dates, Venue & Tickets
The festival takes place on Friday, 25 September and Saturday, 26 September 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
According to the official Joy of Jazz festival information, doors open at 17:00 on Friday, with the show beginning at 18:30, while Saturday doors open at 16:00, with performances starting at 18:30.
Ticket prices
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| One-Day Pass | R1,250 |
| Weekend Pass | R2,250 |
A ticket provides access to all four festival stages. The official festival website currently lists the one-day ticket at R1,250 and the weekend pass at R2,250.
Standard Bank has also announced a discount of up to 15% for eligible Standard Bank cardholders, subject to availability and the applicable terms and conditions.
Tickets: Standard Bank Joy of Jazz tickets
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026 Full Lineup
The 2026 programme brings together international stars, South African jazz veterans, emerging artists and specially curated collaborations.
International Artists
The international lineup includes:
- Angélique Kidjo
- Kamasi Washington
- Ibrahim Maalouf
- Nubya Garcia
- Ola Onabule
- Floetry
- Tank and the Bangas
- Anaïs Rosso
- Soweto Kinch
- Neil Charles
- Lorraine Klaasen — Canada
Angélique Kidjo and Kamasi Washington are making their Joy of Jazz debuts in 2026.
South African Artists & Collaborations
The South African programme includes:
- Thandiswa Mazwai
- Judith Sephuma
- McCoy Mrubata
- Khaya Mahlangu
- Ndabo Zulu
- Nduduzo Makhathini
- Dumza Maswana
- Gabi Motuba
- Manana
- Nomfusi
- Madala Kunene
- Sibusile Xaba
- Reza Khota
- Sydney Mavundla
- Tumi Mogorosi
- Buhlebendalo Mda
- Zawadi YaMungu
- Xolisa Dlamini
- Internet Athi
- Gurulogic
- Daliso Ndlazi
- Sphelelo Mazibuko
- Gonste Makhene
- Linda Sikhakhane
- Muneyi
- Paras Dlamini
- Max Baloyi
- Muhammed Dawjee
- AusTebza
- Rochelle Rautenbach
- Chantal Willie-Petersen
- Orlanda Da Conceição
The programme also features Themba Mkhize and Afrika Mkhize’s Reflections of Mzansi Big Band, alongside tribute performances dedicated to Hugh Masekela and Kippie Moeketsi.
Dinaledi Stage — The Heartbeat of Jazz Innovation
The Dinaledi Stage is built around large-scale performances, orchestral arrangements, established South African jazz voices and international collaboration.
Artists and projects include:
- Ibrahim Maalouf
- McCoy Mrubata
- Judith Sephuma
- Ola Onabule
- Khaya Mahlangu — Kippie Moeketsi 101: A Centennial Jazz Tribute
- Dumza Maswana — Umngqunqgo Orchestral Experience
- Themba Mkhize & Afrika Mkhize — Reflections of Mzansi Big Band
Dumza Maswana’s Umngqunqgo Orchestral Experience features a 20-piece orchestra, bringing together indigenous rhythms, jazz and spiritual storytelling.
The stage also carries the tribute to legendary South African saxophonist Kippie Moeketsi, led by Khaya Mahlangu.
Diphala Stage — Women, Voice & Musical Leadership
The Diphala Stage places women at the centre of the programme, highlighting vocalists, instrumentalists and collaborative projects.
The lineup includes:
- Nubya Garcia
- Gabi Motuba
- Lorraine Klaasen
- 4 Bass Lines
The 4 Bass Lines project brings together four women bassists:
- AusTebza
- Rochelle Rautenbach
- Chantal Willie-Petersen
- Orlanda Da Conceição
Lorraine Klaasen, who is based in Canada, also returns to South Africa as part of the festival programme. She continues the musical legacy associated with her late mother, legendary singer Thandi Klaasen.
Conga Stage — Rhythm, Energy & African Influence
The Conga Stage brings some of the festival’s most rhythm-focused and genre-crossing performances.
The programme includes:
- Tank and the Bangas
- Reza Khota
- Madala Kunene
- Sibusile Xaba
- Sydney Mavundla — Dirge of Our Fathers
- Tumi Mogorosi — Thank You For Your Service Quartet
- Soweto Kinch
- Neil Charles
- Max Baloyi
- Muhammed Dawjee
- Ndabo Zulu & Umgidi Ensemble
- Nduduzo Makhathini
- Daliso Ndlazi
- Sphelelo Mazibuko
- Gonste Makhene
- Linda Sikhakhane ft. Muneyi
- Paras Dlamini
Sydney Mavundla presents Dirge of Our Fathers, while Tumi Mogorosi brings his Thank You For Your Service Quartet, featuring UK saxophonist Soweto Kinch and fellow collaborators.
The Conga Stage closes with Ndabo Zulu and the Umgidi Ensemble, featuring a group of prominent South African musicians including Nduduzo Makhathini and Linda Sikhakhane.
Mbira Stage — Soul, Storytelling & New Voices
The Mbira Stage moves between jazz, neo-soul, poetry, Afro-soul and contemporary African sounds.
The lineup includes:
- Floetry
- Nomfusi
- Anaïs Rosso
- Buhlebendalo Mda
- Zawadi YaMungu
- Xolisa Dlamini
- Internet Athi
- Manana
- Gurulogic
- Thandiswa Mazwai
The stage also features a special Busi Mhlongo tribute, performed by Buhlebendalo Mda, Zawadi YaMungu and Xolisa Dlamini.
French singer and guitarist Anaïs Rosso brings influences from Congolese rumba, blues, electronic music and indie-pop, while Soweto group Gurulogic adds a combination of deep house and acid jazz to the programme.
The Mbira Stage closes with Thandiswa Mazwai, who will reinterpret songs from Hugh Masekela’s catalogue.
Hugh Masekela Tribute
One of the defining moments of Joy of Jazz 2026 is Thandiswa Mazwai’s tribute to Hugh Masekela.
Mazwai will perform selections from Masekela’s songbook, bringing her own interpretation to the work of one of South Africa’s most influential musicians.
The festival has positioned the tribute within a wider 2026 programme focused on heritage, memory and musical legacy.
Kippie Moeketsi Tribute
Jazz saxophonist Khaya Mahlangu leads a special tribute to Kippie Moeketsi, one of the pioneering figures in South African jazz.
The project, titled Kippie Moeketsi 101: A Centennial Jazz Tribute, connects Moeketsi’s legacy with a contemporary generation of musicians.
Busi Mhlongo Tribute
The Mbira Stage also pays tribute to the late South African vocalist Busi Mhlongo.
The tribute features:
- Buhlebendalo Mda
- Zawadi YaMungu
- Xolisa Dlamini
The performance forms part of the stage’s broader combination of jazz, soul, poetry and contemporary African expression.
Gabi Motuba & Manana — 2026 Standard Bank Young Artists
The festival also provides a platform for the latest Standard Bank Young Artist Award recipients.
Gabi Motuba was recognised in jazz, while Manana received the award for music. Both artists will showcase new work at Joy of Jazz 2026.
Reflections of Mzansi Big Band
Another major collaboration is Reflections of Mzansi Big Band, arranged by Themba Mkhize and Afrika Mkhize.
The project is described as a large-scale orchestral tribute to the sounds that have helped shape South African music.
Why Joy of Jazz 2026 Matters
The 2026 edition arrives during two significant national anniversaries: 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising and 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March.
Organisers have connected these milestones with a programme focused on South African history, musical heritage, collaboration and the next generation of artists.
The festival has also grown significantly since its first edition in 2000, when approximately 1,800 people attended. Standard Bank says the festival now attracts more than 25,000 festivalgoers annually and has historically generated more than R34.5 million in direct spending and approximately R86 million for the Gauteng economy.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026 Event Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026 |
| Edition | 27th |
| Dates | 25–26 September 2026 |
| Venue | Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg |
| Stages | Dinaledi, Diphala, Conga & Mbira |
| One-Day Pass | R1,250 |
| Weekend Pass | R2,250 |
| Age | 18+ |
| Access | All four stages |
The official festival information confirms that a valid ticket provides access to all four stages.
Getting to Joy of Jazz 2026
The Sandton Convention Centre is located in the Sandton CBD, with the Gautrain Sandton station approximately a five-minute walk away.
Festival organisers are also planning traffic and parking measures around the Sandton precinct because of the expected crowds. The official festival information advises visitors to plan their transport ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026?
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026 takes place on Friday, 25 September and Saturday, 26 September 2026.
Where is Joy of Jazz 2026?
The festival takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
How much are Joy of Jazz tickets?
The official festival website currently lists a one-day pass at R1,250 and a weekend pass at R2,250.
Who is performing at Joy of Jazz 2026?
The 2026 lineup includes Angélique Kidjo, Kamasi Washington, Ibrahim Maalouf, Nubya Garcia, Floetry, Tank and the Bangas, Thandiswa Mazwai, Judith Sephuma, McCoy Mrubata, Gabi Motuba, Manana, Nomfusi, Nduduzo Makhathini, Sibusile Xaba, Madala Kunene and many more.
How many stages are there?
There are four stages: Dinaledi, Diphala, Conga and Mbira. A valid festival ticket provides access to all four.
Is Angélique Kidjo performing at Joy of Jazz?
Yes. Angélique Kidjo is part of the 2026 international lineup and is making her Joy of Jazz debut.
Is Kamasi Washington performing at Joy of Jazz?
Yes. Kamasi Washington is also making his Joy of Jazz debut in 2026.
Is Thandiswa Mazwai performing at Joy of Jazz?
Yes. Thandiswa Mazwai will perform a special programme honouring Hugh Masekela, including selections from his songbook.
Is Joy of Jazz 2026 for people who don’t only listen to jazz?
The four-stage programme extends beyond traditional jazz into neo-soul, Afro-soul, African music, poetry, funk, hip-hop influences, deep house and other contemporary sounds, making the festival broader than a conventional jazz programme.
Where can I buy Joy of Jazz 2026 tickets?
Tickets are available through the official Joy of Jazz ticketing system and Ticketmaster.
Final Word
From Angélique Kidjo and Kamasi Washington to Thandiswa Mazwai, Nduduzo Makhathini, Judith Sephuma, Floetry and Tank and the Bangas, Joy of Jazz 2026 brings together multiple generations and musical traditions under one roof.
With four stages, major international debuts, South African jazz legends, new voices and tributes to artists including Hugh Masekela, Kippie Moeketsi and Busi Mhlongo, the 27th edition is set to be one of the major music weekends on Johannesburg’s September calendar.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026 takes place on 25–26 September at the Sandton Convention Centre.
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