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Ola Onabulé brings jazz, soul and African influences to Joy of Jazz
British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Ola Onabulé brought his blend of jazz, soul, funk and African musical influences to Johannesburg during the 2026 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival.
Ola Onabulé.
Held from 25 to 27 September at the Sandton Convention Centre, the festival featured artists from South Africa and abroad, with Onabulé contributing to a programme that explored different approaches to contemporary jazz.
Known for his rich baritone voice and storytelling, Onabulé’s performance drew on both contemporary jazz and African musical traditions. His approach places vocals and narrative at the centre of his music, reflecting his British-Nigerian background and broader musical influences.
Onabulé performed with a five-piece ensemble featuring Thomas Käfel on drums, Andreas Feith on piano, Kuba Cywiński on double bass and Markus Harm on saxophone. The musicians provided a framework for improvisation and interplay, complementing Onabulé’s vocals throughout the set.
The performance highlighted the collaborative nature of jazz, with piano, double bass, drums and saxophone contributing to the movement and texture of the music while allowing space for individual musicianship.
Onabulé’s appearance was part of a festival programme that brought together African and international artists across several stages. The event provided a platform for different generations, musical traditions and contemporary interpretations of jazz.
His performance also reflected the broader role of jazz as a meeting point between different cultural influences. By combining African-rooted sounds with elements of contemporary jazz, soul and funk, Onabulé’s music draws on multiple aspects of his cultural and musical identity.
The 2026 edition of Joy of Jazz continued its focus on presenting diverse forms of jazz to audiences in Johannesburg, with performances spanning established traditions and contemporary interpretations.
Onabulé’s appearance added to that mix through a performance centred on live musicianship, vocal expression and storytelling.
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