American trumpeter Wynton Marsalis to grace Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival stage

World-acclaimed American trumpeter Wynton Marsalis will be among the artists gracing the stage at this week’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (SBJOJ) festival.

The event, one of South Africa’s most prestigious music extravaganzas, takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre from Wednesday. Not to be missed at the 22nd edition of the festival is a remarkable one-night big band spectacle on Thursday, featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra.

The 15-piece band is made up of the finest soloists and ensemble players in jazz music and will be led by Marsalis. Sharing the stage will be the ZAR Jazz Orchestra boasting a 17-piece band led by trumpeter Marcus Wyatt.

When the two big bands battle it out on the Dinaledi Stage, they will be looking to redefine swing. The line-up also includes award-winning Mozambican composer and saxophonist, Moreira Chonguiça, who is one of the finest creators of the original African jazz form.

Cuban-born pianist Roberto Fonseca is expected to draw on classical, rock and hip-hop influences in her performance. Incredible drummer Manu Katché will bring his unrelenting rhythmic charm to the SBJOJ stage.

Another trumpeter not to be missed will be Nigerian-born, Etuk Ubong, who is fast becoming a notable jazz presence. Ubong’s music draws inspiration from jazz greats like Hugh Masekela and Miles Davis. The larger expanses of African jazz will rev up the festival through the music of Kyekyeku and Ghanalogue Highlife – a six-piece group who play a brand of music introduced by Fela Kuti and known as Highlife.

The historic band Stimela, the iconic Sipho Mabuse, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, singer and songwriter Siphokazi and The Soil, will underscore the diversity that makes up the spectrum of South African jazz. The country’s rising star vocalist and pianist, Nomfundo Xaluva, will explore local traditions along with Nokukhanya Dlamini.

Also not to be missed is Sankofa, led by US-born saxophonist Salim Washington. Soul singer Rahsaan Patterson and RJ Benjamin will also be on stage.

Other artists to perform include Swiss-based, South African-born saxophonist Shannon Mowday, jazz singer Sibongile Khumalo, inimitable composer and pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, bassist Concord Nkabinde, Gloria Bosman, Bokani Dyer and Mark Fransman. Young trumpeter Mandla Mlangeni will lead his own outfit in a performance.

“Music lovers are in for a treat. We are excited about this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. “We want our festival patrons not only to experience the music, but to also live it,” said TMusicman executive producer Mantwa Chinoamadi.

Chinoamadi said the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival remained South Africa’s most authentic, annual international jazz festival, with a dazzling programme year after year. Standard Bank group sponsorship manager Desiree Pooe added: “We look forward to coming together to share our #AfricanheART with the world.”

– brians@citizen.co.za

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