Young musicians take centre stage as Joy of Jazz invests in the festival’s future

The future of South African jazz took centre stage at the National School of the Arts (NSA) in Braamfontein on Saturday, as young musicians, event organisers and industry leaders gathered for the third edition of Jazz for Young People, a fundraising concert ahead of the 27th annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival.

Curated by award-winning musician, Msaki, the event showcased emerging talent while raising funds to improve music facilities at the National School of the Arts.

The much anticipated event will take place from 25 to 26 September 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Junior Events Manager, Nairobi Twala, said the initiative is about more than putting young musicians on stage, it is about preparing them to lead the industry.

“It’s an opportunity for us as the youth to own the arts as well not just to attend these events. We are the people they are marketing to, but to also be able to take ownership of this and grow, and be able to take on the baton when our time comes.”

Twala, who has been mentored by Team Music Man since she was 18, said young people are involved at every level of production, from technical and backstage work to site management and event planning.

She said the programme has grown significantly since its launch.

“This is the third edition of this event. It doesn’t end here. It’s continuing in all the events leading to the Joy of Jazz, and it’s very important to have that intergenerational support and conversation.”

Among the performers was Soweto-based collective, Mahubo, whose blend of jazz, classical music and soul has been gaining attention online.

Band member, Boronga Ngubeni, said the group wants to redefine what jazz sounds like for younger audiences.

“We have our own compositions, it’s never the same performance over and over. People are going to like it because it’s such a fresh new take on jazz and the redefining of jazz, especially with classical instruments.”

The band said platforms such as Jazz for Young People are critical for aspiring musicians, particularly those from communities where opportunities are limited.

“It gives young people a platform. As we come from Soweto, most schools don’t provide such platforms, so it’s very encouraging.”

Responding to the perception that jazz is only for older audiences, the musicians said younger generation are reshaping the genre.

“We’re also redefining and being revolutionary by saying it’s not just for old people. We’re also young, we also love jazz, and there’s an audience for it.”

Mahubo also revealed that fans can expect the group’s debut music on streaming platforms in December, with teasers likely to be released beforehand.

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz producer, Mantwa Chinoamadi, said investing in young people is essential to securing the future of jazz.

“Development, development, and development. If we don’t do such initiatives, where is the future of jazz? Where is the future of live performances?”

Chinoamadi said seeing established artists perform alongside young musicians demonstrates the importance of mentorship.

“We saw a baton being passed… All of us had somebody that said, ‘You can do it.'”

She said the organisers intend to expand the initiative beyond the National School of the Arts by raising funds to improve music rooms at more schools.

“As much as this is a fundraiser, we will raise funds to develop and improve the music rooms of this school, and we move to another one, and another one.”

Chinoamadi added that the programme has proven one thing above all else.

“Kids love jazz. They do love jazz… If you see the musicians on stage and the academic institutions of jazz, everybody’s young. We are sure that we are on the right path.”

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe