Luyanda Lunika
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday morning, with all four stages of the Sandton Convention Centre reverberating with vibrant performances that stretched deep into the early hours of Sunday.
The showstoppers included American jazz sensation Chris Botti lighting up the Dinaledi Stage, while Lizz Wright and Brenda Mtambo captivated audiences at Diphala. Mandisi Dyantyis’s soulful serenades echoed through Conga, and Mafikizolo delivered electrifying performances on the Mbira stage. The entire venue pulsed with a vibrant blend of jazz, blues, and African-infused melodies, keeping the audience dancing as they moved from stage to stage.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s standout performance, featuring Maduvha Madima and Mbeu, paid a heartfelt tribute to Oliver Mtukudzi on the Mbira stage. The tribute took the audience on a nostalgic journey, perfectly honouring Mtukudzi’s enduring legacy.
Meanwhile, on the Mbira stage, the atmosphere hit fever pitch as Ihashi Elimhlophe took the spotlight, igniting the crowd with thunderous applause. His infectious energy and timeless hits kept the audience captivated from start to finish.
The night climaxed with South African’s Mandisi Dyantyis delivering an electrifying hour-long performance just after midnight. The audience sang along his popular song (Ngumama lo Ondizalayo), wrapped up the 25th edition of this storied festival, supported by the City of Johannesburg and various sponsors.
Jazz lovers poured into the streets, singing their hearts out after the final performances from all stages in the early hours of Sunday, 29 September 2024. The music lingered in the air as they left the venue, their voices carrying the night’s energy long after the stages had gone quiet.
But in the true spirit of the Joy of Jazz, the music never stopped, and everyone left with memories of a night that will echo in the hearts of jazz lovers for years to come.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
