A festival as iconic as the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is made up of many moving parts, each essential to the final performance.
While the audience sees a beautiful ensemble, few realise the depth of skill, planning, and teamwork it takes to bring such an event to life, ultimately creating jobs for dozens of people.
Behind the scenes, production managers coordinate a vast network of professionals, from musicians, set and lighting designers and sound engineers to event managers, photographers, social media strategists, public relations (PR) teams, hospitality staff, cleaners, ushers, and more.
Every element is intentional. Designing a stage, for example, is no simple task – it must capture the essence of each artist, determine precise instrument placement, and integrate lighting that enhances the performance while honouring the artist’s identity.
It is a meticulous and collaborative effort at every level.
As the festival closed curtains to its 26th edition at the end of September at the Sandton Convention Centre, it is critical to highlight some of the voices behind the scenes, acknowledging their incredible work that contributes to the overall success of the extravaganza.
“We remain proud to be affiliated with this festival and are pleased that this year once again brought some new flavour, showcasing the crème de la crème of artists globally,” says Bonga Sebesho, head of sponsorship at Standard Bank Group.
“In a country where job creation is a universal responsibility, we believe championing the arts through staging world-class events such as the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is more than an investment, but a stewardship that will forge Africa’s creative economy into sustainable ecosystems and a transformative force for long-term prosperity.”
Standard Bank has proudly sponsored the festival for over 20 years and has been a longstanding supporter of the creative industry for more than 40 years through various initiatives, including the Standard Bank Young Artist Award, which has produced some of the world’s finest artists, such as Muneyi (Masibigiri) – the 2025 recipient, who graced the Mbira stage this year.
Managing the legendary Dinaledi stage
For Hendrick Nemalili, founder and director of Murangi Productions, being entrusted with the Dinaledi main stage at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival wasn’t just a professional milestone; it was the culmination of years of dedication, relationship-building, and consistent hard work in the technical production industry.
“Murangi Productions has built a reputation for excellence in technical event services over the years,” says Nemalili.
“Our involvement with the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival came as a result of our track record and the strong relationships we’ve nurtured in the industry. We’ve worked on this festival for several years, but this was the first time we were trusted with the main stage.”
Nemalili adds that this task was a great honour for the production company.
Murangi Productions delivered the sound, lighting, staging, and LED screens on the Dinaledi stage, a critical component of the festival’s audience experience.
“Each festival presents its own technical and logistical challenges,” he explains. “Those challenges have helped me and my team sharpen our problem-solving skills, adaptability, and technical expertise.
“Working on high-profile festivals like Joy of Jazz has not only raised our visibility but also opened doors to new business opportunities. We always see positive results after this festival; it plays a direct role in the growth of our business.”
Nemalili sees festivals like Joy of Jazz as vehicles for economic impact and professional development, particularly within South Africa’s creative and technical arena.
“These festivals create significant temporary employment opportunities for technicians, security, vendors, and many others. They also support local businesses and artists, contributing to the broader economy – even if just for the duration of the event. I have seen a lot of people getting involved in this festival, and they get an opportunity to feed their families with the money they get from this festival.”
Nemalili says he’s particularly proud to have been part of a production that supports so many behind-the-scenes workers, from AV technicians and riggers to stagehands and lighting designers, many of whom are young professionals just entering the industry.
“I’d like to thank the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival for trusting Murangi Productions with such a vital part of the event,” he adds. “It’s always an honour to contribute to the success of South Africa’s vibrant music scene.”
From intern to industry leader
Motlalepula Twala, co-production manager for Joy of Jazz, is living proof of how festivals can shape careers.
“Since the age of 19, I was thrown into the deep end of event production, artist management, PR, and overall stakeholder liaison work, under the mentorship of Peter Tladi and many other leaders who were willing to impart knowledge to a young lady in a male-dominated industry,” recalls Twala.
She speaks passionately about the skills she has gained through festival work.
“The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is truly a mini university for the various skills, including collaboration and fostering community with different stakeholders to maintain beautiful and cooperative relationships.
“You learn how to pivot, make big decisions you can stand on for the greater good of the festival, you learn to be flexible, strong in character, as there are many characters, diffuse any drama or tension so that everyone remains focused on the one goal, and also be accessible so that your teams work beside you and not feel that they are beneath you.
“These are sellable skills that have opened doors to other opportunities,” she adds.
Twala says festivals are vital for reducing unemployment.
“Aside from the actual event itself, it also creates a surge in business for local businesses and freelancers, such as family restaurants, car guards, vendors, cleaners, and self-appointed traffic patrols. It is mostly temporary, but it makes a difference.”
Gender inclusion
Twala makes a compelling point about gender inclusion.
“I am passionate about seeing more women in production teams as the first point of contact, running technical and sound companies, working as stage managers, designing stages, and creating lighting plans.”
She credits Peter Tladi, the festival’s founder, for being a champion of women in leadership.
“I also must mention that it takes dynamic men in these positions to bring women along into these spaces with them. I would like to honour Peter Tladi for being a champion in this field. Aside from me being a ‘graduate’ of his as a competent production manager, he also appointed Mantwa Chinoamadi as his successor to produce the event.
“He built a culture for the festival’s future, with many women-headed companies running various parts of the festival, including sponsorship, PR, and travel liaison.”
Feeding the soul and stomachs
James Khoza, executive chef of the Sandton Convention Centre, adds: “Festivals are not just about the music; they’re also about the flavours and tastes that visitors take with them as memories, which is why I see my role as central to the story of the festival.”
For Khoza, food forms an integral part of the festival. “Every plate served is an invitation to taste our culture, our traditions, and our creativity.
“Festivals are cultural showcases. They combine art, music, food, and hospitality into a single experience. They create jobs, grow small businesses, and attract tourists. From a chef’s perspective, festivals are also opportunities for gastronomic tourism; they allow us to showcase South African flavours on a global stage.
“When a visitor tastes a local dish at Joy of Jazz, that experience may spark their curiosity to explore more of our cuisine, leading to repeat visits and deeper engagement with our culture,” he adds.
Khoza insists that food and music speak the same universal language, and festivals are the perfect place to bring them together.
“Festivals like the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz remind us that food and music share a universal language; both have the power to unite people, spark joy, and tell stories. As chefs, we don’t just cook; we shape experiences that visitors carry with them long after the last note is played.”
A pathway for the youth
Sandisiwe Maphasa says working at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz as an assistant stage manager wasn’t just a job; it was a transformative learning experience and a powerful stepping-stone in her career.
“Festival work gives me opportunities I probably wouldn’t get anywhere else.
“It’s a space where I get to network with industry professionals and actually work alongside them,” she adds.
“That kind of access and experience is priceless. I’m walking away with stronger leadership, management, and communication skills, all of which are critical if I want to succeed in the entertainment industry.
“More than 100 people were hired, mostly young. Even if it’s temporary, it changes lives. I could see people providing for their families from this work,” says Maphasa.
An all-rounder making sure things run smoothly
Clive Lubisi, who studied jazz composition, worked as a production assistant. His responsibilities ranged from backstage photography to handling artist requests and tech support.
He says festivals are like a crash course in life skills.
“I’ve learned things you can’t get in a classroom: teamwork, adaptability, and communication.”
Lubisi began as an intern in 2017. “Now I’m in production. I’ve worked with major festivals and events because of what I learned here.”
He echoes a common sentiment: “People think it’s just fun and music. But behind the scenes, it’s long hours, fast decisions, and serious teamwork … Seeing an empty room transform into a stage full of lights and music is always magical.”
Whether it’s a chef curating a menu, a stage manager coordinating a set change, or a young intern seeing their future come alive under the lights, festivals are a vital part of South Africa’s social and economic fabric.
Festivals like Standard Bank Joy of Jazz have a ripple effect on South Africa’s economy, culture, and communities.
From the technical crew to the cooks, vendors, servers, planners, cleaners, and every unsung hero in between, kudos to each one of you. Your efforts made the magic possible at the 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
Brought to you by Standard Bank Group.
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