If you’re ever in South Africa around August of each year, and you feel like a good hit of music, the Joy of Jazz which takes place in Johannesburg is worth having a look if you’re into Jazz Festivals. It’s like a little bit of New Orleans in southern Africa.
However, I think their definition of Jazz is pretty fluid – as the interpretation of the music form ranged from rock to blues to a bit in between. I’m always up for a bit of live music, so I was happy that South African Tourism were able to grant me a media pass to scout around the different stages.
There were acts from all over Africa and overseas, including far flung places like Argentina and the United States.
One thing that struck me about going around the different stages was how all of the musicians and the crowd were into the music. Jazz musicians are notorious for being the butt of not-making-very-much-money jokes such as the following:
- Two jazz musicians who haven’t seen each other for some time meet late one night in a jazz club. ‘Hey man,’ says one, ‘I hear you recorded a c.d.’ ‘Yeah, that’s right man,’ replies the other, ‘It was released a few months ago.’ ‘How much did you sell?’ asks the first. ‘Oh, just the house and the car.’
But hey, it seems a lot of people are still interested in this form of music.
The festival is held in Newtown in central Johannesburg, which has undergone a bit of urban renewal over the past few years. Joburg has a bit of an image problem in terms of a high perceived crime rate (of which there is an issue), but I’ve been here a number of times over 11 years and I’ve never had a problem by using common sense. And I’ve noticed that downtown has been cleaned up a lot since the early 2000s.
Jazz Festivals Video – The Joy of Jazz
The festival even attracted the headline act The Temptations from the United States. They were probably the most popular act at the entire festival, judging by how popular their crooning love songs about lovely ladies had the crowd pumping (and smooching!). Their music has stood the test of time, considering that some of their songs are well over the 50 year old mark!
I’m wondering how many babies are going to be born in about 9 months time? Who knows!
Anyway, I put together a short vid about the festival – check it out!
More Jazz Festivals Stuff!
Anyway, check out more at South African Jazz.
I would never of guessed Johannesburg would have such a vibrant jazz scene. Looks like a lot of fun though and I’m glad to hear it is not as unsafe as many would have you believe.
I’ve been to way more dodgy places! Joburg is fine, you just don’t do silly things like walk around at night, etc. Usual precautions as with travelling anywhere.
We statyed in Joberg for a few days on our RTW trip and loved it. Jazzfest in NO is one of our favorite events…now I know we have to go back to Africa for this! Thanks for sharing!!!
That’s great!
The best thing about traveling is the local culture you are going to immerse yourself with. African jazz is definitely music. And it is definitely a relaxing thing to listen to! I think my husband and i should go on more of these musical shows in the future. Thanks for the idea!
No worries, any time!
That is awesome! I love seeing Louisiana (New Orleans) jazz music making it to the other side of the globe. Thanks for sharing mate!
No worries, it was great checking it out!