Jazz boon for tourism

Two-day event returns to a venue in Sandton next month.

- Brian Sokutu

The annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival returns to the Sandton International Convention Centre next month and the two-day event will not only serve as a treat for music enthusiasts, it will stimulate a tourism boom for Johannesburg.

In an interview with The Citizen, festival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi was yesterday bullish about financial spinoff's to be accrued by the city and the state of readiness.

"We are working with travel agencies from the US, Kenya and other countries around the world, providing packages to tourists wishing to travel to South Africa for the jazz festival," said Chinoamadi.

With a few weeks left before Africa's premier jazz extravaganza takes place, Chinoamadi said the festival project team was "ready although they say there is no readiness in the business of the arts".

"Once you have announced the line-up of artists, what is left is the marketing and selling of tickets," said Chinoamadi. "Other final touches include logistical arrangements, venue viewing and presenting to the joint operation committee, including the SA Police Service.

"We start planning the festival a year in advance.