LOOK: And the crowds went wild - final night of CTIJF 2025 brings down the house
Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025
The final night of the 2025 Cape Town International Jazz Festival saw attendees come out in their numbers to enjoy a night of live music, culture and connection.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Thunderous applause, soulful dancing, jazz hands, laughter, bonhomie - a true great gathering. This was the final night of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025 - Saturday April 26.
From stars such as South African Afro-soul singer Lira, who had the crowds screaming, ululating and yes, even crying at her courage and beautiful voice, to the soulful sounds of the enigmatic Bombay Lights, renowned saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia and Nomfundo Xaluva belting out her renowned hit songs, it was a night attendees will not forget.
Nomfundo Xaluva on the Rosies stage during the final day of the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Media
Known as "Africa's Grandest Gathering", others who took to the stage earlier on Saturday night include award-winning young South African jazz artist Melorie Jane, Thembi Dunjana and YouTube sensation DJ Masooda.
Renowned saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia on the Kippies stage on Saturday evening during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
US-born R&B singer-songwriter sensation Ari Lennox, the world-renowned saxophonist Igor Butman Quartet, celebrated trombonist and bandleader Malcolm Jiyane, a cultural icon and one of South Africa’s most powerful voices, Thandiswa Mazwai, and so many more were set to continue the jazz festival well into the early hours of the morning.
Indian jazz group Bombay Lights serenaded the CTIJF 2025 day two crowd with their soulful sounds.
Image: Henk Kruger
Dressed to impress, scores of festinos arrived early and headed to the Kippies, Manenberg, Rosies and Moses Molelekwa stages.
The attendees were vibing to the soulful sounds which emanated from the stages as they made their way to the front to ensure they had the best view to enjoy the performances.
This includes Melorie Jane who had the crowd on their feet while local fan favourite DJ Masooda had the crowd enjoying her mix of Yaadt, R&B and the type of vibe that make you feel like you're at a family braai and celebrating a major milestone.
But one of the biggest highlights of the night was Lira's performance. The beloved songbird serenaded those gathered at Kippies and her return to the festival marked a significant chapter in her remarkable journey following a harrowing ordeal which sidelined her from performing for several years.
Lira delivered a powerful and emotional performance on the Kippies stage on the final night of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Armand Hough
The queen of Afro-soul suffered a stroke in 2022, which left her unable to read, write or speak. Although she has been performing, this was be her first major festival and her fans were thrilled to see her perform.
"I'm so excited to be here," she screamed from the stage as attendees danced and sang along to her hit songs.
Her powerhouse performance left the crowd feeling emotional. One fan said: "Lira's set was moving and I couldn't help but cry here and there. Her music just takes one back to a simpler time. We missed her."
The singer also requested for attendees to put the flash from their phone lights on, which elevated the positive vibes from her performance which drew in a diverse crowd.
One thing is for sure, her fans truly missed her and enjoyed seeing her live on stage again.
Meanwhile, some of the other musicians who performed on the final night of the CTIJF includes the Kyle Shepard Trio who set the Rosies stage alight with their vibrant performance.
The Kyle Shepard Trio on the Rosies stage during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Picture Henk Kruger / Independent Media
Multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Jiyane also delivered a soulful performance on the night which had attendees in their feels.
Malcolm Jiyane performing at the Cape Town Jazz Festival,which was held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Image: Photographer: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
Then there was amapiano superstar Kelvin Momo who closed the event with his soulful beats. Scores of attendees gathered at the Manenberg stage to witness the DJ superstar as he rocked the decks. Momo, who came onto the stage after midnight, has the crowd singing and dancing into the early hours of the morning.
SA music producer and DJ, Thato Ledwaba Kevin, aka Kelvin Momo, rocking the decks on the Manenberg stage during the final night of the CTIJF.
Image: Fuad Esack
And while music was the main order of the day, fashion was also in the spotlight as attendees rocked up in their stylish gear. Some of the ensembles included monochromatic looks, full denim outfits as well as pops of colour.
Many also rocked up in funky and comfortable footwear so they could dance the night away. Think hats, feathers, scarves, comfort mixed with sassiness - as only a real jazz follower understands... that jazz transcends music. It is a way of life.
And as the thousand upon thousands who attended the festival and those who lit up the stages; for those who worked in front and behind the scenes... CTIJF 2025 will be remembered as a festival where Cape Town fell head over heels in love with jazz once more.