AFRIKA MKHIZE

One of the most talked about home-grown talents performing this year is 2012's Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz Afrika Mkhize.

Durban-born Mkhize is gaining critical acclaim for his exceptional piano technique as well as his ability to compose and arrange music that, despite being influenced by international styles, has a clear South African sound.

EDDIE PALMIERI

Spanish American pianist Eddie Palmieri is often described as the Latin Thelonious Monk for pioneering and popularising salsa and Latin jazz orchestras.

During his musical career of more than 50 years, he has won nine Grammy Awards for his bold, unique music that can be described as a fusion of modern harmonies and exotic salsa rhythms.

MANU DIBANGO

Dibango can play almost every style of music, ranging from soul, reggae and jazz to the blues.

Originally trained as a pianist, he is one of Cameroon's most respected jazz saxophonists.

Dibango first achieved global fame in 1972 when he released Soul Makossa, a single that popularised a West African form of dance music called makossa.

SAX SUMMIT

The world's top five female saxophonists play their own arrangements of music by local jazz giant Kippie Moeketsi.

CECILE VERNY

Born in Ivory Coast and raised in Europe, Verny is celebrated for her unique and multifaceted style which represents her African roots and European upbringing.

She has been singing on stage in Europe since she was 17. She is widely recognised as one of the most important voices to come out of the European jazz scene in the past two decades.

LIZZ WRIGHT

The US singer and songwriter is earning a reputation as one of the most exciting new voices to break onto the international jazz scene.