What happened
Music In Africa reports that Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has announced the line-up for its 2026 edition, scheduled for 25 to 26 September at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The programme includes Beninese artist Angelique Kidjo among the international acts, alongside Kamasi Washington. South African artists named in the line-up include Thandiswa Mazwai, Judith Sephuma, McCoy Mrubata, Khaya Mahlangu and Ndabo Zulu.
Why it matters
For AfroStream, the useful signal is the continued placement of major African artists inside high-visibility live music programming. Kidjo remains one of the continent's most globally recognised performers, and Joy of Jazz is positioning the 2026 edition around cross-generation programming, tributes, collaborations and contemporary interpretations of jazz.
The line-up also gives South African jazz and live-performance creators a larger festival frame. The programme includes tribute sets linked to Hugh Masekela, Kippie Moeketsi and Busi Mhlongo, plus women-led instrumental programming through the 4 Bass Lines collaboration.
Source note
This item is based on Music In Africa's report on the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026 line-up. AfroStream is tracking it because Angelique Kidjo is a published AfroStream creator and the festival is a source-backed African music milestone.