The National School of the Arts (NSA) in Braamfontein pulsed with energy on Saturday as a new generation of performers took centre stage for Jazz for Young People (J4YP), held in partnership with Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
From the moment festival-goers arrived at the Hoofd Street campus, they were swept into a celebration that went beyond music. Organised by young people, for young people, the day mixed live jazz with fashion, photography and visual art, while food stalls filled the air with the smell of local cooking. The result felt less like a school concert than a glimpse of where South African culture is headed next. This year's line-up was guest-curated by award-winning singer-songwriter Msaki, who also led workshops on creativity, wellness and entrepreneurship in the run-up to the festival.
Organised by young people, for young people, the day mixed live jazz with fashion, photography and visual art.
First launched in 2024, J4YP was inspired by NSA alumnus and jazz multi-instrumentalist Mpumi Dhlamini, who wanted to give back to up-and-coming talent. "Mpumi was the catalyst," said NSA Artistic Director Brenda Sakellarides. "What a maverick creator. He is a very proud alumnus of the school and always contributes."
