Joy of Jazz – all the stars shine

Local artists dazzle, but debutante soloist Zoe Modiga was the undoubted ‘find’ of the festival, writes The pictures were taken by

Jazz singer Zoe Modiga is on cloud nine after a dazzling performance at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz on Saturday.

Modiga performed with international and local stars at the three-day event that took place at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The musician, who made her debut as a solo singer, said she still could not believe she was able to attract such a big crowd.

She opened Saturday’s performance, setting a very high standard.

Modiga’s style and voice appealed to both young and old.

“I know that a lot of people did not know my music, but they responded well. I could not believe that so many people had came to see my performance,” she said.

“I was having fun because the audience showed love for my music. It was a great feeling to watch them on stage.”

Other local stars who performed to a packed auditorium included Jonas Gwangwa, Abdullah Ibrahim, Selaelo Selota, Caiphus Semenya and Tutu Puoane.

International stars featured The Clayton Brothers, David Murray, Elisabeth Kontomanou, Peter Beets Trio and Salif Keita.

Jeff Clayton of The Clayton Brothers told Sowetan during a press junket he was performing at the Joy of Jazz for the first time.

“We are honoured to be part of this jazz event though we don’t know what to expect, but I have heard good things about it,” he said.

Legendary trombonist Gwangwa’s performance was so packed the door had to be closed.

At the festival’s main stage Dinaledi, music lovers waited patiently for the acclaimed Ibrahim. As soon as he came on, everyone stood up.

Ibrahim played his piano without uttering a word.

A stampede almost occurred when everyone rushed to see Semenya’s performance at the Mbira stage.

Selota said he was pleased local music fans were supporting local artists.

“A few years ago, locals would have preferred to watch international singers [rather] than us. But lately it is encouraging that they support their own,” he said.

A jazz lover loses herself to the beat of the music.

Zoe Modiga, who was appearing at Joy of Jazz for the first time, was everyone’s darling – both young and old.

Security guards had to close the doors at Jonas Gwangwa’s show as an overflow of revellers threatened a stampede.

Selaelo Selota does his thing with the strings.