WATCH | Here's what went down at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival

Jazz lovers flocked to Sandton Convention Centre on Friday for day one of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival. 

The festival has over the years created a rich legacy that has become a second home for those who love and breathe jazz.

The premier event, now in its 24th year, saw jazz lovers spoilt for choice with performances across four stages (Conga, Mbira, Dinaledi and Jazz Lounge).    

Bassist and composer Herbie Tsoaeli delivered a project at Dinaledi in tribute to the late legendary bassist and pianist Johnny Dyani. The tribute featured contemporary bassists Viwe Mkizwana and Dalusi Ndlazi. 

There was an intimate moment where Johny Diyani 's son spoke and thanked South Africans who still remembered his father's contribution to jazz in earlier years.

Completing the line-up on stage were Ernie Smith, Marcus Wyatt and Andreas Vollenweider. 

Robert Glasper, who headlined the acts on the Conga stage, expressed how much he loves performing in South Africa.

Those who saw the Grammy Award winner perform at another festival last weekend can attest to how happy and engaging he was with the crowd this time around. 

The Alexander Beets Quintet with pianist Miguel Rodriguez, bassist Marius Beets, drummer Sven Rozier and tenor man Lucas Santana, as well as guitarist and author Billy Monama also performed. 

Speaking to TshisaLIVE ahead of his performance bassist Carlo Mombelli, who kicked things off at the Conga stage, said he enjoyed being part of the festival. 

“Everybody wants to be part of the festival, so it wasn't hard to twist my arm or anything, the moment they said would you like to play, I said of course yes, it's a great festival and I'm super happy to be here. 

“What's nice is coming back and seeing a long list of musicians that I haven't seen for so long, and being part of a festival that's all about music is always nice for me.”

Guitarist Billy Monama, joined by special guests Titi Luzipo and Mimi Mtshali, paid tribute to Allen Kwela.

He told TshisaLIVE he would be performing 11 songs all dedicated to the late guitarist

“I feel privileged to be presenting the music of Allen Kwela and paying tribute to him because he is one of the most influential guitarists — the second generation of guitar players,” he said. 

“Paying tribute has always been part of my DNA. I started the Grass Roots project. I mean the repertoire of Allen Kwela has always been part of mine, even when I do compositions and my own shows, Allen has always been there — even in the book, we have of his repertoire.

“The family has given me their blessing. They said, 'Billy, take even the unreleased music.'”

The line-up on the Mbira stage on Friday included Afro-pop/soul artists Ami Faku, Buhle Bendalo and Zonke. 

At the Lounge Jazz Market, radio presenter Nothemba Madumo, Marumo Femme and DJ Happy J performed.