On Saturday, Momo Outskirts at the Cradle of Humankind hosted the second Follow the Blue Noteevent – themed “Art & All that Jazz,” a build-up to the annual 25th Joy of Jazz on September 27- 28.

 

The event followed the launch event, titled Poetry, Vinyls & All that Jazz, at Momo Kuro in Rosebank.

 

Guests enjoyed a solo exhibition by prolific South African artist, 1994 Standard Bank Young Artist for visual arts, and avid jazz collector Sam Nhlengethwa. He showcased his paintings, including pieces dedicated to Nina Simone and Abdullah Ibrahim.

 

Nhlengethwa shared his inspiration, which often comes from his extensive vinyl collection. He also discussed his love for jazz, which began with his brother, a jazz artist.

 

The Group Head of Sponsorship at Standard Bank, Bonga Sebesho, explained that the “blue note” is a special note in jazz, and the bank, being blue, found it fitting to create a series of events leading up to the Joy of Jazz festival. 

 

He said the aim is to highlight Standard Bank’s support for the arts, and the iconic annual Jazz Festival

 

“These Blue Note events are about mobilising jazz and music lovers, celebrating the intersections of various art forms and emphasising that Standard Bank is a partner to Joy of Jazz and arts in general,” says Sebesho.

 

The event featured performances by trumpeter Mandla Mlangeni, the recipient of the 2019 Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year award for jazz, and legendary singer Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse. Nhlengethwa complemented his exhibition with a jazzy vinyl set.

 

The event beautifully combined art and jazz, creating a memorable experience for all attendees. 

 

For over 40 years, Standard Bank has supported the arts, elevating artists and fostering creativity across Africa. The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival has been a significant part of this legacy for over two decades. The 2024 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz marks 25 years of Africa’s premier jazz festival. 

 

“We commemorate a quarter of a century of unbroken excellence in music showcase, a celebration of our heritage, and an elegant lifestyle rooted in jazz’s noble sound,” concludes Sebesho. 

 

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz takes place on 27 and 28 September 2024  at the Sandton International Convention Centre. It features five stages showcasing the best jazz musicians from across Africa and the world: the Dinaledi Stage, the Conga Stage, the Diphala Stage, the Mbira Stage, and the Lounge Stage. 

 

Tickets are available at ticketmaster and Full Ticket Prices are:

1x DAY PASS is = R1050

2xDAY PASS is = R1950 

 

Standard Bank Card Holder Discount:

As a Standard Bank cardholder, you qualify for a discount of up to 15%. The offer is limited to two tickets per person and only on the use of a valid Standard Bank debit, cheque, or credit card. It is subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. 

 

Stay informed by connecting with Standard Bank Arts on:
Facebook: @StandardBankArts 

X: @StandardBankArt 

Instagram: Standard Bank Arts 

Website: www.standardbank.com/sponsorship