Standard Bank Jazz for Young People Festival

The Standard Bank Jazz for Young People (J4YP) Festival is an annual full-day event dedicated to fostering emerging musical talent and promoting jazz among younger generations in South Africa. Hosted at the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, the festival on July 25, 2026, features live performances from a diverse range of school jazz bands, including groups from Sacred Heart College, the National School of the Arts, Khutlo Tharo School of the Arts, East Rand School of the Arts, and Pro Arte Alphen Park.

Beyond the performances, a core component of the festival is its comprehensive development program, run in collaboration with the Fetch Your Life Foundation. These initiatives include workshops focused on mentorship, creative development, and providing young artists with practical tools to build sustainable careers in music. Guest curator Asanda Lusaseni, also known as Msaki, facilitates discussions on creative health and longevity. The festival encourages young musicians to explore contemporary sounds, blending traditional jazz with genres like neo-soul and R&B, reflecting jazz as a living and evolving art form.