A musical legacy unfolds as the Diamond City Jazz Festival celebrates an intergenerational exchange of talent, bringing together jazz legends and “soon-to-be legends” for a night of unparalleled artistry in Botswana on 29 March 2025.

The festival is set to take place at the Bojanala Waterfront and will feature iconic figures such as Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, McCoy Mrubata, Steve Dyer, and Bhudaza Mapefane sharing the stage with a younger wave of artists, reinforcing jazz’s enduring spirit and evolution. For decades, these legends have shaped the sound of African jazz, blending indigenous rhythms with global influences to create music that transcends borders.

Festival Director Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, a pioneer in South African jazz and popular music, has inspired generations with timeless hits like Burn Out. McCoy Mrubata, a master saxophonist, has carried the torch of Cape jazz, fusing tradition with contemporary sounds. Bhudaza Mapefane, the pride of Lesotho, has mesmerized audiences with his soulful saxophone and deep-rooted Sesotho jazz. Meanwhile, Steve Dyer, a versatile musician and composer, is renowned for his exceptional skills on the saxophone and flute, blending traditional African sounds with contemporary jazz influences, making him a respected figure in both the South African jazz scene and the international music community.

This year’s festival is more than a concert, it is a cultural exchange where wisdom meets innovation. Young and dynamic talents like Mpumi Dhlamini, Nono Siile, Azana, Jordan Moozy, and Mpho Sebina will share the spotlight with veterans, bringing fresh perspectives to the genre.

The event highlights how jazz remains a living, breathing art form, one that honours its past while embracing the future.

“Jazz is about storytelling, and every generation adds its own voice to the narrative. This festival ensures that the knowledge, technique, and passion of legends like Hotstix, McCoy, and Bhudaza do not fade but instead ignite new flames in young musicians,” said the festival curator, Rapula Kegopilwe.

Kegopilwe added: “This platform is proof to the shared cultural heritage and lively music scene that unites us all. With our strong commitment to fostering unity through the arts, this festival brings together artists and audiences from across the region in a shared love for music.”

Beyond performances, the festival will feature mentorship sessions where young artists can engage directly with the legends, gaining invaluable insights into the music industry, techniques, and the deeper cultural significance of jazz.

This initiative aligns with the festival’s vision: to nurture talent, preserve heritage, and build a bridge between the old and the new.

As part of the festival’s networking and cultural engagement activities, a golf day at the prestigious Stanbic Golf Course will bring together musicians, industry leaders, and business professionals, fostering connections in a relaxed setting ahead of the main event. Beyond the star-studded performances, the festival will also showcase local crafts, culinary delights, and opportunities for fans to connect with artists and one another.

As the festival unfolds, audiences will witness a musical conversation across generations, proving that jazz is timeless. The passing of the baton ensures that while the melodies may evolve, the soul of African jazz remains unshaken.