Sunday, 27 September 2026

The 27th Standard Bank Joy of Jazz ran from 25 to 26 September at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre, featuring four stages and international and South African artists.

The festival’s 2026 programme included Angelique Kidjo, Kamasi Washington and Floetry, alongside Thandiswa Mazwai, Judith Sephuma, Manana, Makuza Motau and Kamohelo Mokone.

Bobby McFerrin’s “The Jump”, from 1984’s Voice, was recorded without instrumental accompaniment or overdubbing, creating the impression of an entire ensemble through one voice.

McFerrin and Chick Corea’s “Spain”, recorded live for 1992’s Play, turned voice and piano into a spontaneous musical dialogue built around improvisation, call-and-response and rapid vocal register changes.

“Common Threads”, from 1990’s Medicine Music, was created for an AIDS Memorial Quilt documentary and uses wordless vocals with Lyle Mays to carry emotion without lyrics.