The 2026 edition of Jazz for Young People (J4YP), a jam-packed celebratory day honouring the youth of South Africa and sponsored by Standard Bank, will be held at National School of the Arts in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, on Saturday 25 July. It places young audiences and performers at the heart of a dynamic programme of Jazz, learning and community involvement.

Furthermore, the event offers something for the whole family, including live performances, food, art exhibition and children’s activities. J4YP also serves as a fundraiser in support for National School of the Arts, an institution that has made a significant contribution to the development of musicians in South Africa. By giving young people an opportunity to present this festival to their peers, the festival creates meaningful participation while raising funds for the school. This year carries special significance as the country commemorates 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, when young people took to the streets to fight for their rights. In that spirit, J4YP honours their legacy by creating opportunities for today’s youth and supporting their dreams.

Msaki. Picture supplied

Jazz for Young People is especially significant this year because of its brilliant guest curator, award-winning singer and composer Asanda Lusaseni, popularly known as Msaki. Through her Fetch Your Life Foundation, Msaki has created a platform that encourages young people to follow their dreams. The foundation focuses on providing skills development, mentoring and conducting workshops for the youth in underserved communities, creating opportunities and spaces for them to grow. Named after the hit song “Fetch Your Life”, the initiative echoes her message of aligning with one’s dreams and purpose.

In addition to curating the J4YP lineup, Msaki will also lead workshops, while sessions on music creativity, wellness, outdoor education, entrepreneurship technology will also be facilitated throughout the workshops. They will take place at JSM Academy: Nkanyezi Simulation Centre, Martha Louw Street, Orlando Gardens Soweto on the 13th of July, National School of the Arts (NSA) 17 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein on the 21st of July, and East Rand School of the Arts (ERSA) 1 Jones Street, Daveyton, Benoni on the 22nd of July. All these workshops will be commence at 10h00 and finish at 13h00.

Vuyo Viwe. Picture supplied

The lineup features bands selected from a range of music institutions, giving young performers an opportunity to share their talent with a live audience. These performers come from music-focussed high schools, universities, youth bands and music organisations. Many are technically trained, culturally grounded, and adaptable across live performance, studio work, and educational outreach. Most of the young musicians are between the ages of 16 and 25 and are seeking platforms to pursue music as a career.

This year’s lineup comprises of National School of the Arts Band (NSA Band), Khutlo Tharo School of the Arts, East Rand School of the Arts, East Rand School of the Arts (ERSA), Pro Arte Alphen Park Performing and Creative Arts High School, Spartan High School, Sacred Heart College Jazz & Marimba Band, JSM Academy, University of Witwatersand’s Music Department Jazz Band, Central Johannesburg TVET College’s Music Department, Music Academy of Gauteng (MAG), Mahubo Band, NU-Bam & The Band as well as flautist, composer, vocalist and bandleader Vuyo Viwe.

Khutlo Thato School of the Arts. Picture supplied

Throughout the day, professionals from the arts and entertainment industry will mentor youth-led teams and provide guidance during event planning, production, and execution. Teams will be assigned to different roles at this event, giving young aspiring professionals an opportunity to network with music industry experts, gain valuable experience and build skills in event management, customer care, and teamwork. J4YP is not only a celebration of artistry. It also advances young people’s ideas by giving them a platform to showcase their talent, inspire creativity and ignite an entrepreneurial spirit.

Jazz for Young People is an all day event commencing at 09h00 and finishing at 18h00. Young entrepreneurs are invited to apply for exhibition space to showcase their products and crafts. Opportunities include selling food, apparel, crafts, art exhibitions, photography and painting. To make a booking, they must send an email to admin@tmusicman.co.za. Tickets to the J4YP are selling at R100 for adults while children aged 5 – 12 pay R50. Schools that wish to get 10% if they buy in bulk can send an email to projects@tmusicman. co.za