Jazz on the Lake celebrates Joburgs 80th

On Sunday, 7th of September 2008 at Zoo Lake, the Jazz on the Lake Concert will celebrate Johannesburg’s 80th birthday as a City.

Revellers at this year’s concert will re-connect with a story of amazing growth which is as old as Johannesburg itself.

On 5 September 1928 a crowd of many thousands gathered outside the City Hall, to hear the proclamation of City status being read out. Back then, the crowd was entertained by four bands and a choir. As ready as ever to celebrate an occasion, Johannesburg residents commemorated the event with six days of festivities. Back then, highlights of the programme included a garden party, open to the public, in Joubert Park.

Jazz on the Lake continues in a spirit of celebration, a birthday party hailing the inclusive city that Joburg has become. A star-studded line-up of performers includes Jimmy Dludlu, Zamajobe, Simphiwe Dana, Don Laka and Indian Band Indian Ocean.

Officially, Johannesburg was founded in October 1886, a few months after the discovery of gold in Langlaagte. When it was just six years old, Johannesburg was already the largest town in South Africa. But it was not until September 1928 that Johannesburg gained the formal status of a City.

Africa’s most developed city was has come a long way in record time. Johannesburg’s rise from mining camp to metropolis is unique, the only city in the world to grow this fast. The mining camp of 1886 had a population of only a thousand, and covered about five miles. By 1928, the total population was 400 000, and the municipal boundaries had stretched to 82 square kilometres.

The Jazz on the Lake concert is free to the public. No alcohol, drugs, weapons or glass are allowed within the venues. A public bar will be set up within the venue.

Please see the website alongside for road closure and entrance and exit information.