Now in its 22nd edition, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, is taking place over two days in April. One of the largest jazz festivals in Africa, the event is a jaw-dropping celebration of music that’s set to shatter boundaries, ignite your senses, and redefine what you thought was possible in the world of jazz. Here’s everything you need to know about the festival.
New Artists Announced for Cape Town International Jazz Festival
The final few artists of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival have been announced, and the lineup promises to take attendees on a genre-defying journey over the two-day event.
Among the new artists announced for the festival are Nubya Garcia, a British saxophonist and jazz trailblazer whose fearless sound and boundary-shattering style have made her a global icon; Melorie Jane, an internationally acclaimed artist who’s lighting up jazz with her award-winning sound, powerful vocals, and piano virtuosity; and KDOLLAHZ, the cultural force who’s s curated a soundscape that’s both intergalactic and deeply rooted in Black joy, love, and liberation.
The headliners include iconic South African DJ Black Coffee and South African jazz musician Nduduzo Makhathini performing in collaboration. These two artists have worked together since their studying days, and will debut a new set at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, that features an orchestra, horns, percussion and special guest singers.
Other headliners include Thandiswa Mazwai, one of South Africa’s most powerful vocalists who weaves her Xhosa heritage with jazz, soul, and Afro-futurism; and Ari Lennox, an American R&B musician with rich, honeyed vocals and deeply personal storytelling.
Other artists on the lineup include Incognito, iPhupho L’ka Biko, Masego, Kandace Springs, Benjamin Jephta ft. Kunjenga, Bombay Lights, Bongeziwe Mabandla, DJ Masooda, Gotts Street Park, Igor Butman Quartet, andKelvin Momo
The full lineup is available on the website.
How to Book Tickets to the Festival
33 artists will be performing at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, across four different stages at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This is the 22nd edition of the festival – a testament to the staying power of jazz and the excitement it brings.
Tickets to the festival, as well as hospitality tickets, are available on Ticketmaster
Cost: R1050 (day pass) | R1650 (weekend pass) | R5629.50 (hospitality pass)
When: 25 and 26 April 2025 | 5.45pm – 01.45am (Friday) | 4.45pm – 01.45am (Saturday)
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre 1
Website: capetownjazzfest.com
Facebook: CTJazzFest
Instagram: @officialcapetownjazzfestival
