Joy of Jazz festival gets underway

By Emmanuel Mwendwa

The annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival, previously known as Johannesburg International Jazz Festival, kicked off yesterday (Thursday). This year marks the event’s 10th anniversary since inception in 2000. For the first time, last year Kenya was represented by singer Valerie Kimani.

Traditionally, the festival predominantly showcases homegrown South African talent. But in recent years, the repertoire has blossomed to accommodate more budding jazz-inclined, skillful artistes drawn from the rest of the continent. This approach ensures nurturing of cultural exchange between artistes and performers, converging to share common podiums and resulting in collaborative musical projects.

Leading South African songstress Judith Sephuma and Unathi Nkayi are slated among this year’s headliner acts. Sephuma performed in Nairobi two years ago and is hailed as South Africa’s leading jazz and Afro-pop gospel singer.

Other stars expected include Ringo Madlingozi, Jonas Gwangwa, Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya, Jimmy Dludlu, Jonathan Butler alongside upcoming acts such as Nigerian K·nlÈ Ayo and Rwandese star Somi. Interactive, free workshops offering rudimentary tips revolving around intricacies of jazz music making craft to youthful, beginner musicians are also on the cards.

Acclaimed Swiss harpist Andreas Vollenweider, Canadian trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, US pianist Bob Baldwin, saxophonist Marion Meadows and jazz vocalist Arlee Leonard are among the forum’s instructors.

"The workshops are an integral part of the festival, bringing together some of the world’s top instrumentalists and exposing youthful, aspiring musicians to skills they may not otherwise have access to," notes Peter Tladi, one of the event’s co-ordinators.