Every city has its defining weekends. The ones that turn pavements into playgrounds, strangers into friends, and nights into stories worth retelling. For Johannesburg, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival is one of those weekends.

Now in its 2025 edition, the festival has stretched itself into something even bigger, brighter, and bolder. For the first time, it runs across three full days (26, 27, and 28 September) at the Sandton Convention Centre, right in the heart of Sandton Central. More than 60 musicians, 15 countries, and four stages will converge for the biggest celebration of jazz in South Africa.

And the best part? Sandton Central is the ultimate home base. With hotels that are walking distance from the action, restaurants that double as pre-show warm-ups, rooftop bars that keep the party alive after dark, and brunch spots that put rhythm back in your step the next morning, the festival and the city beat in sync. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz cat or just here to feel the energy, this guide is your ticket to soaking up every note of the weekend.

The Soundtrack of the City: What to Expect at Joy of Jazz 2025

Jazz has always been about reinvention. At this year’s festival, that spirit takes centre stage. Expect line-ups that break boundaries, once-off collaborations that will never be repeated, and a heavy spotlight on the voices of women shaping the genre. From smoky solos to big-band spectacles, Joy of Jazz 2025 is the kind of event that turns listeners into believers. Check out a taste of the programme below:

• Dinaledi Stage
  This is where legends meet visionaries. Multi-GRAMMY winner Esperanza Spalding leads the charge with a sound as luminous as her stage presence. She’s joined by South African star Thandi Ntuli, whose collaboration with Sipho Hotstix Mabuse promises goosebumps, and the Siya Makuzeni Big Band, an ensemble that feels like an entire universe of sound compressed into one show.
• Diphala Stage
  For purists, this is home. Expect classic small ensembles, improvisational mastery, and pianists who will leave you questioning what fingers are capable of. Look out for The Baylor Project from New York, the youthful brilliance of Hakan Basar Trio (Turkey), and the endlessly inventive Kyle Shepherd Trio from South Africa. Add in powerhouse vocals from Jazzmeia Horn, and you’ve got a line-up that swings hard.
• Conga Stage
  If rhythm is your compass, this is where it points. Malian matriarch Oumou Sangaré brings her Wassoulou fire, while genre-defying American artist Meshell Ndegeocello pushes every boundary. Gabi Motuba, one of South Africa’s most daring composers, debuts The Sabbath, while collaborations like the SA–Nordic Ababhemu Quartet prove jazz knows no borders.
• Mbira Stage
  This is where jazz loosens its tie and leans into joy. Think crossovers, singalongs, and soulful reinterpretations. José James Sings Badu is set to reimagine Erykah Badu’s catalogue, while Amanda Black, Tresor, and rising folk-soul star Muneyi showcase the future of African storytelling through music.

No matter which stage you wander into, one thing’s certain: you’ll walk out buzzing.

Where to Stay: Sleep (Eventually) in Style

The joy of Joy of Jazz is that you don’t have to travel far to find your bed. Sandton Central is packed with hotels that keep you close to the action.

• Sandton Sun & Towers: Connected directly to the Convention Centre, this is the definition of convenience. Slip out of a midnight encore and be in your room within minutes.
• The Michelangelo: Classic Sandton opulence with views over Nelson Mandela Square, perfect for those who want their weekend to feel as glamorous as it is musical.
• DaVinci Hotel & Suites: Sleek, contemporary, and located right above Sandton City, it’s ideal for those who want a cosmopolitan retreat.

Insider tip: Book early. Joy of Jazz weekends fill up fast, and there’s nothing sweeter than knowing you can stroll home after a night of music instead of navigating traffic.

Pre-Show Dining: Set the Mood with Food

Good jazz deserves a good prelude, and in Sandton, that means dinner. From intimate bistros to grand dining rooms, the neighbourhood’s culinary scene sings as loudly as the saxophones.

• Artistry JHB: Equal parts theatre, restaurant, and cocktail haven, Artistry feels like an extension of the festival itself. Expect inventive dishes, soulful energy, and maybe even a surprise performer off-duty.
• Saint Restaurant: Dramatic décor, indulgent Italian-inspired plates, and a buzzy atmosphere that feels just right before a night of live music.
• The Grillhouse Sandton: A long-time favourite for steak lovers. It’s hearty, reliable, and the kind of place where conversations stretch long past dessert.

Make a booking. Joy of Jazz means the whole city is eating out at once.

Nightcap Spots: Because Jazz Doesn’t End at Midnight

When the final notes fade, Sandton Central comes alive in a different key. Whether you want a mellow drink or a night that stretches into sunrise, there’s something for every tempo.

• Alto234: The highest urban bar in Africa, perched atop The Leonardo. Order champagne, watch the city twinkle below, and let the night air keep you buzzing.

• The Greenhouse Bar: A lush, vibey space with great DJs, creative cocktails, and an indoor-outdoor flow that feels perfect for keeping the energy alive after the festival.
• Okio: Sleek and sophisticated, Okio mixes glamour with a late-night bar scene, making it a stylish stop for nightcaps or one more round with friends.

Jazz-Worthy Brunch: The Morning After

No great festival is complete without a recovery plan. Sandton’s brunch culture rises to the occasion.

• Tashas Nelson Mandela Square: Stylish and always full of life, perfect for catching up with friends and reliving your favourite performances over avo toast and cappuccinos.
• The Big Mouth: Big portions, laid-back atmosphere, and enough comfort food to cure even the most enthusiastic late-night dancing.
• San Deck at Sandton Sun: Rooftop views, leisurely brunch plates, and a Bloody Mary that might just put the rhythm back in your soul.

Tickets, Tips, and Insider Notes

• Tickets: Starting at R1 350 for a day pass, with weekend passes at R3 250. Standard Bank cardholders score up to 15% off. Book through Ticketmaster.
• Hospitality Packages: Want the platinum experience? Lavish lounges, butler service, and premium dining are available from R7 995 per person.
• Dress Code: Joy of Jazz is as much about the look as the sound. Expect bold fashion, statement accessories, and an atmosphere that doubles as a runway.
• Getting Around: Forget Ubers and parking headaches. Staying in Sandton Central means you can walk from your hotel to the festival and back again.

Let the Music Play!

Whether you’re diving in for one night or soaking up the full three-day experience, you’ll find yourself swept up in the energy of it all. The soaring solos, the unexpected collabs, the crowd moving together—it’s the kind of magic you can only get at a live festival.

So, grab your tickets, make a plan with your crew, and get ready to let the music lead the way. Sandton Central is ready to welcome you, and the joy of jazz is waiting.