The Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Celebrating Legacy, Culture and Connection Through The Power of Music

By Shumirai Chimombe

This month, the Mother City is set to come alive with jazz lovers flocking to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) for the legendary Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF).

Now in its 22nd year the multi-stage event takes place on 25 and 26 April with the theme ‘Legacy Meets Tomorrow’ - a tribute to its rich heritage and its evolving future.

According to the festival’s coordinators, the CTIJF is the place where “legends and rising stars unite in a celebration of music, culture and connection”. This is reflected in the world-class lineup of performances featuring both legendary icons and upcoming local and international talent who will carry the torch for the genre into the future.

Each year before the main event at the CTICC a free open-air concert with selected performers is held at the Greenmarket Square in the Central Business District under the majestic presence of Table Mountain. This is to ensure that jazz is enjoyed by all while bringing the Cape Town community together in the spirit of inclusivity.

The CTIJF attracts a significant number of local and international tourists and visitors who have been noted to extend their stay in the city making it a major contributor to the Western Cape’s tourism and hospitality sectors. It also generates more jobs to cater for the increased demand.

Festival head, Shaakirah Adams says: “The festival employs a significant number of people to help stage the event. In fact, up till 2024, the festival has created more than 31,000 jobs (direct and indirect), hosted more than 2,000 South African and 1,600 international artists, trained and developed 3,749 young people in a variety of skills and hosted 18,659 masterclass beneficiaries”.

From Humble Beginnings to World Class Jazz Excellence

The festival was first held in 2000 and was originally named the North Sea Jazz Festival Cape Town, as a collaboration with the North Sea Jazz

Festival in the Netherlands. Held then at the Good Hope Centre, it attracted about 6000 people. In 2005, the festival changed its name to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and its venue to the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Over two decades since its inception, the event has grown to become the biggest jazz event on the continent attracting over 30 000 people. Known as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering” it showcases some of South Africa’s most influential musicians while drawing artists from across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Some high-profile acts that have performed at the festival over the years include: South African artists Abigail Kubheka, Hugh Masekela, Zoë Modiga and Jimmy Dludlu - and international artists Lauryn Hill, Dan Brubeck, James Ingram, Dave Sanchez, Dave Koz, Earth, Wind and Fire.

Festival-goers can prepare to be blown away by an incredible line-up of performances over the two unforgettable days of celebrating music, culture, and shared experiences.

Stellar Line-Up For The Festival

Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini - these world renowned artists will collaborate in a performance that will consist of various repertoires ranging from known classics to newly created bodies of work, and will also feature an orchestra, horns, percussion and some very special guests singing some of the well known pieces from the duet.

Thandiswa Mazwai - a cultural icon and one of South Africa’s most powerful voices, Thandiswa seamlessly weaves Xhosa heritage with jazz, soul, and Afro-futurism.

Lira - one of South Africa’s most well-known international artists, Lira is a true icon of Afro-soul and jazz, and her music embodies wisdom, passion, and a timeless elegance.

Kyle Shepherd Trio - leading the trio is visionary pianist and composer Kyle Shepherd. A defining force in South African jazz, he channels the rich legacy of Cape jazz.

Benjamin Jeptha ft Kujenga - a bassist, composer, and sonic explorer, Benjamin stands at the forefront of contemporary jazz, effortlessly fusing African rhythms with modern jazz and hip-hop. He will be joined by Cape Town-based afro-jazz band Kujenga.

Ari Lennox - an artist defined by her rich, honeyed vocals and deeply personal storytelling, Ari blends jazz, soul and modern groove in her performances.

Linda Sikhakhane - saxophonist Linda is regarded as a visionary in modern jazz. His music is meditative and combines rich African heritage and contemporary sounds.

Nomfundo Xaluva - refined, commanding, and deeply expressive, Nomfundo blends jazz and storytelling, masterfully weaving intricate melodies with profound narratives.

Victor Masondo Quartet ft. Thembi & Bheki Khoza - legendary bassist Victor Masondo will collaborate with master guitarist Bheki and vocalist Thembi in a performance that will combine deeprooted African jazz traditions with improvisation and boundless expression.

Donvino Prins, Cameron Ward, Jonathan Rubain & Kyle Shepherd - this collective of some of South Africa’s most electrifying musicians each bring their unique mastery to the stage - saxophonist Donvino, guitarist Cameron, bassist Jonathan, and pianist Kyle.

Plurism - led by Swiss drummer Dominic Egli, this jazz ensemble blends African and European influences. Their latest project, Umhlangano, celebrates unity with Mthunzi Mvubu (alto sax), Sisonke Xonti (tenor sax), Feya Faku (trumpet), Xavier Ruegg (upright bass), and Egli on drums.

Bombay Lights - Combining soul, Indian classical roots, jazz and modern textures, this band creates music that is both hypnotic and deeply emotive, pulsing with dreamy melodies, intricate rhythms, and an unmistakable cinematic feel.

The Ploemies - described as vibrant, rebellious, and unfiltered, The Ploemies bring to the stage music that is a bold fusion of jazz, rock, and alternative sounds filled with sharp improvisation.

Malcolm Jiyane - trombonist and composer Malcolm’s music draws from South Africa’s rich jazz heritage while creating his own unique touch, resulting in performances that are a profound expression of history and identity.

Bongeziwe Mabandla - described as a modern-day poet with a voice that stirs the soul, Bongeziwe fuses folk, Xhosa rhythms, and electronic elements to create music that is unique and delicate yet powerful.

iPhupho L’ka BikoMore - Blending traditional African music with free-flowing improvisation, this dynamic band channels jazz as a revolutionary force with performances that are spiritual and thought-provoking.

Masego - Jamaican-American artist Masego is a musical innovator, renowned for his unique “TrapHouseJazz” style, a fusion of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, showcasing his mastery as a multiinstrumentalist.

Incognito - known as acid jazz pioneers, this British band has been at the forefront of this genre since 1979, blending jazz, funk, and soul. Some of their timeless hits include “Still a Friend of Mine” and their rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing.”

Muneeb Hermans - Cape Town-born trumpeter and composer Muneeb is one of South Africa’s premier jazz talents. Rooted in the Cape Minstrel tradition and a UCT graduate, he has performed at international stages.

Kelvin Momo - South African DJ and producer Kelvin Momo is recognised as a trailblazer in the amapiano scene with his signature blend of smooth, jazzy vibes with amapiano rhythms. His fifth studio album, ‘Sewe’, released in August 2024 achieved over 1.328 million streams on its first day and surpassed 15 million streams within a month.

Igor Butman - Russian saxophonist and leader of the Moscow Jazz Orchestra, Butman is an icon in the world of jazz. He has collaborated with international jazz luminaries, bringing Russian jazz to global prominence.

The Brother Moves On - this South African ensemble blends jazz, rock, and indigenous sounds. Their 2022 album, “$/He Who Feeds You…Owns You” received critical acclaim for its socio-political commentary and thought-provoking narratives.

TKZEE - South Africa’s kwaito group comprising Kabelo “Bouga” Mabalane, Zwai Bala, and the late Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala is renowned for their timeless classics like “Shibobo” and “Dlala Mapantsula”. Their performance will honor Magesh’s legacy and a chance to relive the energy that defined a generation.

Kandace Springs - American jazz and R&B vocalist Kandace is known for her velvety voice and exceptional piano skills. Her intimate performance will blend jazz, soul, and personal storytelling.

Ritmo - this dynamic ensemble of Cape Town’s talented musicians delivers a high-energy mix of salsa, bossa nova, marrabenta, samba, jazz, and funk - a celebration of diverse musical influences.

Thembi Dunjana - Cape Town-based pianist and singer Dunjana is a two-time Mzansi Jazz Award winner and her expressive playing and rich compositions reflect her deep connection to her roots.

Melorie Jane - a rising star in South Africa’s music scene, Melorie combines soulful vocals with heartfelt lyrics. Her unique sound, blending contemporary and traditional elements, resonates with a diverse audience.

Gotts Street Park - this Leeds-based trio comprising Josh Crocker (bass, production), Tom Henry (keys), and Joe Harris (guitar) crafts “soulful, cinematic grooves that bridge vintage analog warmth with contemporary R&B aesthetics” - offering a fresh take on soul-infused jazz.

Nubya Garcia - British saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia has a definitive status as a leading voice in contemporary jazz. Her 2024 album, “Odyssey” blends jazz, classical, R&B, and dub, featuring collaborations with Esperanza Spalding, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and Richie.

Kdollahz - a talented artist blending hip-hop, jazz, and electronic elements, his innovative approach and compelling performances have positioned Kdollahz as a rising star in South Africa.

Ramon Alexander Trio ft. Leslie Kleinsmith - Cape Town jazz pianist Alexander leads his trio in collaboration with veteran vocalist Kleinsmith in a heartfelt fusion of jazz improvisation and soulful storytelling.

DJ Masoodah - Cape Town’s DJ Masoodah is renowned for her eclectic sets that span house, jazz, and Afrobeat. Her deep musical knowledge and seamless mixing create immersive experiences that captivate diverse audiences.

Ivan Mazuze - Mozambican-born and now based in Norway Ivan blends African traditions with contemporary improvisation. His 2024 album “Penuka” explores the rich tapestry of Arab and Indian influences on African music, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange.

Find out more about the CTIJF 2025 on their website: www.capetownjazzfest.com

Follow the Festival:

Facebook: Cape Town International Jazz Festival | TikTok: @capetownjazzfest

Instagram: @officialcapetownjazzfestival | X: @CTJazzFest

Sources: Cape Town International Jazz Festival