Cape Town International Jazz Festival is here: a jam-packed line-up with legendary icons await

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is making its return, promising a vibrant atmosphere filled with music and memories. The festivities will kick off with the annual Free Concert at Greenmarket Square on Thursday, April 24, at 4.30pm.

This isn’t just a warm-up show. Over the years, the free concert has become a firm favourite, pulling crowds from all corners of the city and beyond. It sets the tone for the weekend ahead, giving festivalgoers a taste of the calibre and variety the CTIJF is known for.

And in true jazz fest style, the line-up brings a mix of legends, crowd-pleasers and new voices.

Headlining the Thursday night concert are British acid jazz outfit Incognito - a group that’s been shaping the genre since the ‘80s - and South Africa’s very own TKZee, whose kwaito classics still hit just as hard today.

They’ll be joined by The Ploemies, rising star Hannah Ray, and vocal powerhouses Andrea Fortuin and Fancy Galada. In between sets, DJ Eazy will keep the crowd moving with his high-energy mixes. It's an eclectic mix of nostalgic favourites and fresh talent, exactly the kind of vibe that sets CTIJF apart.

Since its debut in 2000, CTIJF has grown into Africa’s biggest jazz festival and one of the most respected on the global stage. But don’t let the word “jazz” fool you, this festival is about far more than just the classics.

Over the years, it has welcomed a genre-bending mix of soul, funk, R&B, gospel, fusion, and Afrobeat, all while keeping jazz at its heart. 

The main event runs from April 25 to 26 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), where over 30 artists will perform across multiple stages. And yes, the lineup is packed.

Black Coffee will join forces with acclaimed jazz pianist Nduduzo Makhathini in a special orchestral collaboration. UK legends Incognito return for another set, while Ari Lennox, Masego, and local powerhouses Lira and Thandiswa Mazwai are also confirmed.

This year’s programme is anything but predictable. Ivan Mazuze brings a rich, genre-blending sound drawn from African, Arabic and Indian musical traditions. Russian saxophonist Igor Butman and his long-running quartet offer crisp, straight-ahead jazz with technical bite and emotional heft and Swiss-led ensemble Plurism add international flair.

On the local front, expect stirring performances from Benjamin Jephta x Kujenga, Linda Sikhakhane, Nomfundo Xaluva, Victor Masondo Quartet featuring Thembi Mtshali and Bheki Khoza, and the Kyle Shepherd Trio. Bongeziwe Mabandla, iPhupho L’ka Biko, Cameron Ward, Don Vino, and Jonathan Rubain also join the bill.

Tickets range from R950 to R1,500, available for purchase through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.capetownjazzfest.com or download the festival app from your App Store, and follow @officialcapetownjazzfestival on social media. 

Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre 

When: From Thursday, April 24, to Saturday, April 26.