The countdown is on for the return of Africa’s Grandest Gathering - the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF)!
The celebrations begin with a legendary free concert at Greenmarket Square on Thursday, 24 April from 3:30pm to 10pm.
The city centre will come alive with music, movement and magic as the square transforms into an open-air celebration of unity, rhythm and world-class talent. Locals and visitors will enjoy performances by both homegrown heroes and international icons.
MC’d by festival radio partner HeartFM, the festival’s line-up promises to get everyone on their feet.
Here’s what you can expect:
DJ Eazy
The veteran will open the night with a high-energy set mixing hip hop, R&B, amapiano and Afrobeats, delivering the electrifying vibes he’s known for across the globe.
Hannah Ray
The Cape Town-raised, UK-born musician brings her cinematic vocals and genre-defying sound, redefining the local music scene with a soulful style and captivating stage presence.
Fancy Galada
With her powerful voice and stage presence, Galada blends township soul with modern flair, having performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival and collaborated with icons like Angelique Kidjo.
Andrea Fortuin
The viral sensation will share her velvet voice and raw emotion, winning hearts as one of the brightest emerging stars in local music.
The Ploemies
This genre-mashup band from Cape Town delivers jazz, funk, goema and ska with a whole lot of local flavor. Expect big grooves, bold horns, and a dance-worthy performance.
TKZee
Kwaito royalty TKZee returns to bring the nostalgia, bass, and unforgettable hits like “Shibobo” and “Dlala Mapantsula,” electrifying the crowd with their classic bangers.
Member of the group, Zwai Bala, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival, acknowledging it as an opportunity to connect with fellow artists, stating, “This year’s lineup symbolises a great celebration of fellow artists we either grew up with or those who grew up on our work.” He further emphasised the transformative nature of jazz, which heavily influences their creative process.
Incognito (UK)
Headlining the night, UK-based Incognito will close the concert with their timeless jazz-funk grooves, killer horns, and velvety vocals, cementing their status as global icons.
This family-friendly, alcohol-free event celebrates community, culture, and connection, offering a chance for everyone to enjoy the gift of music. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as road closures and crowd control measures are expected.
“The Free Concert is where the magic really begins,” said the festival’s head Shaakirah Adams. “It’s a night where local legends and global stars light up the stage for everyone, with no tickets or velvet ropes - just pure music and pure vibe.”
Also reflecting on Cape Town’s rich jazz legacy, the city’s Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis shared his pride in supporting the festival.
“Cape Town is the home of jazz in South Africa. We have so many incredible artists emerging from our communities who have gained international acclaim. Celebrating jazz in Cape Town makes absolute sense,” he affirmed. “This is the Cape Town International Jazz Festival - where Legacy Meets Tomorrow.”
The CTIJF continues to play a key role in job creation, youth development, and tourism. This iconic concert is just one more way the festival gives back to Cape Town. This one’s for you, Cape Town!
∎ To view the full jazz festival line-up for April 25 and April 26, visit www.capetownjazzfest.com, or download the app from your Appstore and follow @officialcapetownjazzfestival on social