The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival is proud to present Jazz for Young People (J4YP), a jam-packed celebratory day honouring the youth of South Africa. Taking place on Saturday 25 July 2026 from 09:00 to 18h00 at the National School of Arts in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, the event places young audiences and performers at the heart of a dynamic programme of jazz, learning and community involvement.
The event offers something for the whole family, including live performances, food, art exhibitions and children’s activities. J4YP also serves as a fundraiser in support the National School of the Arts, an institution that has made a significant contribution to the development of musicians in South Africa. By giving young people, the opportunity to help present this festival to their peers, the event creates meaningful participation while raining raising funds for the school.
This year carries special significance as South Africa commemorate 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, when young people took to the streets to fight for their rights. In that spirit, J4YP honours their legacy by creating opportunities for today’s youth and supporting their dreams.
Jazz for Young People is especially significant this year because of its brilliant guest curator, Asanda Lusaseni, also known as Msaki, the award-winning composer, singer and songwriter. Through her Fetch Your Life Foundation, Msaki has created a platform that encourages young people to move towards their purpose. The foundation focuses on serving, skills development, mentoring and workshop for the youth in underserved communities, connecting them with opportunities and spaces to grow. Named after the hit song Fetch Your Life, the initiative echoes her message of aligning with one’s dreams and purpose.
In addition to curating the J4YP line-up, Msaki will also lead workshops, while sessions on music and creativity, wellness, outdoor education, entrepreneurship technology will also be facilitated throughout the workshops. The workshops will take place at JSM Academy: Nkanyezi Simulation Centre, Martha Louw Street, Orlando Gardens Soweto on the 13th of July from 10am to 13:00 pm, National School of the Arts (NSA)17 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg on the 21st of July from 10:00am to 13:00 pm and East Rand School of the Arts (ERSA) 1 Jones Street, Daveyton Benoni on 22nd of July from 10:00 am to 13:00.
The line-up features bands selected from a range of music institutions, giving young performers the opportunity to share their talent with a live audience. These performers come from music-focused high schools, universities, youth bands and music organisations. Many are technically trained, culturally grounded, and adaptable across live performance, studio work, and educational outreach. Most are between the ages of 16 and 25 and are seeking platforms to develop their musical ideas further.
The lineup features:
- The National School of the Arts Band (NSA Band),
- Khutlo Tharo School of the Arts,
- East Rand School of the Arts (ERSA),
- Pro Arte Alphen Park Performing and Creative Arts High School,
- Spartan High School,
- Sacred Heart College Jazz/Marimba Band
- JSM Academy
- University of the Witwatersrand’s Music Department Jazz Band
- Central Johannesburg TVET College’s Music Department,
- Music Academy of Gauteng
- Vuyo Viwe, a Johannesburg-based flautist, composer, vocalist, and bandleader carving out a distinct space in South Africa’s contemporary jazz scene,
- Mahubo Band
- NU-Bam & The Band
J4YP is not only a celebration of artistry; it also advances young people’s ideas by giving them a platform to showcase their talents, inspire creativity and ignite an entrepreneurial spirit. Each year, the event fosters community and creativity and is meaningfully curated by the youth, for the youth.
The event will also include a multi-layered educational programme:
- Masterclasses: sessions for designed to help young people to develop their skills and knowledge in areas such as entrepreneurship, music, dance, and art;
- Youth Festival Performance Stage: featuring live music and dance performances;
- Marketplace: a platform for young entrepreneurs to sell their products and an Exhibition Space.
Throughout the day,professionals from the arts and entertainment industry will mentor youth-led teams and provide guidance during event planning, production, and execution.Teams will be assigned to different roles at the event, giving young aspiring professionals the opportunity to network with music industry experts, gain valuable experience, and build skills in event management, customer care, and teamwork. Young people are encouraged to apply to volunteer at J4YP. To maximise inclusion, the festival partners with organisations such as MusicLab to provide volunteers for the event.
e R100. Children aged 5–12 years pay R50.
For Bulk 10% schools discounted tickets contact projects@tmusicman.co.za
Invitation to apply
Young entrepreneurs are invited to apply for exhibition space to showcase their products and crafts. Opportunities include of selling food, apparel, crafts and art exhibitions, photography and paintings. To book your participation email : admin@tmusicman.co.za
The 2026 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is more than a music festival. It is a cultural and economic catalyst. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster:
- R1 150 – Friday/Saturday Day Pass, General Admission
- R2 250 – Weekend Pass | Friday and Saturday
Standard Bank cardholders qualify for up to 15% discount. The offer is limited to two tickets per person, and only on usage of a valid Standard Bank debit, cheque or credit card and is subject to availability (Ts & Cs apply).