The Joy of Jazz returns with a bang
20-05-2015
Most of the international artists featured in the annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz showpiece over the past 18 years had gone on to become ambassadors of Johannesburg and South Africa, Peter Tladi, Managing Director of T-Musicman and Executive Producer of the show, said yesterday.
Tladi was speaking at the launch of the 19th edition of the popular jazz show, which will be staged at the Sandton Convention Centre in September for the second year running.
The City is one two major sponsors of the show, which this year will be held from September 23-25.
Representing Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau – who is overseas on official business – Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Councillor Chris Vondo said the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz was “an emphatic note” of confidence in Johannesburg as “a cultural hub of South Africa”.
MMC Vondo said the tourism spin-offs emanating from events such as the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz were enormous for the City, which had become known for hosting major world-class events.
MMC Vondo said the jazz festival was a shining example of a successful public-private partnership supporting the arts.
He also praised Tladi and T-Musicman for featuring a significant number of artists from the African continent for this year's event.
“Again, this goes to show without a doubt that we are not a xenophobic city," he said.
Tladi expressed his gratitude to what he termed the benevolence of the City in supporting the show.
He said he was grateful for the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their continued support and commitment.
“Even if it is only the second year running that the City is sponsoring the event, it takes a huge amount of money to bring traffic and safety personnel to our events, which is what the City has been doing for the past 18 years.
“We are extremely proud and grateful to be working with a partner such as the City of Joburg,” Tladi said.
This year’s show will feature jazz heavyweights such as bassist Marcus Miller.
Other artists completing the lineup include Cecile MClorin Salvant, Dee Alexandra, William Parker and The Three Cohens.
From the local front are Simphiwe Dana and Prince Lengoasa.
Apart from the popular Oliver Mtukudzi, other big names from the rest of continent are Omar Sosa, Jaco Maria, Paulo Fresu and Trilck Gurtu.
Commenting on the show, seasoned jazz radio presenter Nothemba Madumo said though impressive, the lineup had few new and younger jazz artists.