The 2024 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is set to be more than just a musical celebration, with an exciting exhibition commemorating the festival’s remarkable 25-year journey. This unique showcase will take jazz lovers down memory lane, exploring the festival’s rich history through the creative lens of its visionary founder, Peter Tladi. Celebrating jazz as a transformative cultural force, the exhibition will highlight the pivotal role of the genre in shaping South Africa’s developing democracy while offering a glimpse into Tladi’s mission to create a global musical platform and a formidable lifestyle brand.
Curated by Dr. Same Mdluli, curator of the Standard Bank Art Gallery, the exhibition promises an immersive experience, featuring iconic photographs, artifacts, and other treasures from the festival’s archives. Attendees will witness unforgettable moments captured from Tladi’s interactions with global jazz stars, world leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs, all of whom have contributed to the enduring legacy of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
Festival-goers can visit the exhibition during the event at the Sandton Convention Centre from September 26 to 28, 2024, where the display will be installed on the 3rd floor. Mdluli emphasizes that the exhibition is not just a history lesson, but a celebration. “This is a celebration of both the festival founder, Peter Tladi—whose visionary leadership created this great legacy—and an important moment in our country’s musical history. The exhibition highlights the contribution of jazz musicians to our shared experiences over the past 25 years in our growing democracy,” she said.
Beyond the main venue, an extended version of the exhibition will also be available at the Atrium of Standard Bank’s Head Office at 30 Baker Street, Rosebank, allowing visitors to experience the magic beyond the three days of the festival.
In addition to the exhibition, jazz enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore Rhythms in Black and White: A Virtual Journey Through the World of Jazz, a new coffee table book by photographer Siphiwe Mhlambi. Filled with captivating jazz photographs taken over the years, the book provides a visual journey through the world of jazz, making it a must-see at the festival.
For a more personal experience, visitors are invited to join Dr. Mdluli and Mhlambi for a guided walkabout of the exhibition at the Rosebank Atrium on September 26th at 14:00.
As the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz marks its 25th anniversary, the festival continues to be Africa’s premier jazz event, bringing together world-class musicians and showcasing their talent across four stages—Dinaledi, Conga, Diphala, and Mbira. The two-night event will be held at the Sandton International Convention Centre, with additional activations taking place throughout Johannesburg in the lead-up to the main event.
Ticket Information
For those looking to attend, tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Standard Bank cardholders can enjoy a discount of up to 15% on tickets, with a limit of two tickets per person. Full ticket prices are R1050 for a day pass and R1950 for a weekend pass. Be sure to take advantage of this offer and immerse yourself in a weekend of world-class jazz and history.
This exhibition and festival are not just a celebration of jazz but a tribute to a quarter-century of artistic excellence, cultural heritage, and the power of music in shaping our society.
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