Some of South Africa’s biggest names in music once walked the halls of the National School of the Arts (NSA), and this weekend, a new generation of performers will step into the spotlight as the school once again partners with the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival.
The collaboration returns with Jazz for Young People (JY4P), a one-day youth-led festival taking place on Saturday, July 25, celebrating not only jazz but the country’s next wave of creative talent.
More than just a music event, the festival transforms the NSA campus into a showcase of youth creativity, with live performances, fashion, photography, visual art exhibitions and food stalls - all driven by young people.
The festival, first launched in 2024, was inspired by award-winning jazz multi-instrumentalist and NSA alumnus Mpumi Dhlamini, whose passion for giving back helped bring the concept to life.
“Mpumi was the catalyst,” said NSA Artistic Director Brenda Sakellarides.
