BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– Eswatini’s internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer Ndumiso Manana, popularly known as Manana, is set to fly the country’s flag at one of South Africa’s biggest music gatherings after being added to the star-studded line-up of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026.
Manana will perform on Saturday, September 26, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, joining an impressive collection of international and African music heavyweights for the two-day festival taking place on September 25 and 26.
The Eswatini -born Grammy-winning songwriter Ndumiso Manana earned his Grammy in 2021 for his songwriting contribution to Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning album Twice as Tall, specifically the track “Time Flies,” featuring Sauti Sol.
His inclusion marks another major milestone in the career of the Eswatini-born artist, whose distinctive blend of R&B, soul, jazz and African influences has earned him recognition across the continent and beyond.
Manana will be performing alongside a remarkable international line-up led by legendary Beninese singer and songwriter Angélique Kidjo, one of Africa’s most celebrated musical exports and a four-time Grammy Award winner.
Other international stars on the 2026 programme include acclaimed American saxophonist Kamasi Washington, French-Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, British saxophonist Nubya Garcia, American group Tank and the Bangas and British neo-soul duo Floetry.
The South African line-up is equally impressive, featuring some of the country’s most respected musicians, including Thandiswa Mazwai, Judith Sephuma, McCoy Mrubata, Khaya Mahlangu, Madala Kunene, Sibusile Xaba, Themba Mkhize, Afrika Mkhize, Ndabo Zulu and Dumza Maswana, among others.
The festival will also feature special tributes to legendary South African musicians, including Hugh Masekela and Kippie Moeketsi, adding a strong heritage element to this year’s programme.
Manana’s inclusion also follows another important moment for Eswatini music at the festival. Last year, Eswatini artist Velemiseni Ndlangamandla was part of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz line-up, performing alongside international and South African stars.
Velemiseni’s appearance helped strengthen Eswatini’s presence at the prestigious festival, and Manana’s addition this year continues that momentum, demonstrating the growing recognition of the Kingdom’s musicians on major regional stages.
Manana has established himself as one of Eswatini’s most exciting contemporary artists, while also gaining recognition for his songwriting and collaborations with prominent African musicians.
His musical journey has taken him beyond Eswatini, with his work earning international attention and positioning him as an important voice within Africa’s contemporary R&B and soul movement.
Now in its 27th edition, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has become one of South Africa’s most respected annual music festivals.
Over the years, the festival has brought together legendary jazz musicians, contemporary African artists and international performers, creating a platform that celebrates the evolution of jazz while embracing different sounds and generations.
The 2026 edition is expected to attract nearly 20,000 music lovers over two days, with performances taking place across four stages at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Beyond entertainment, Joy of Jazz has positioned itself as an important cultural and economic platform, contributing to tourism, job creation and opportunities for musicians and creative businesses.
This year’s festival also carries historical significance as South Africa commemorates 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising and 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March. These milestones have influenced a programme focused on heritage, memory, cultural identity and the future of African music.
The festival therefore promises more than just live performances, bringing together music, history and culture under one roof.
For Manana, performing on Saturday, September 26, will be a major moment in his career and another opportunity to put Eswatini’s contemporary music firmly on the regional map.
Following Velemiseni’s appearance last year, his participation further strengthens the Kingdom’s growing footprint at Joy of Jazz.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.
(Courtesy Pic)
