With the Cape Town International Jazz Festival returning to the CTICC next weekend, the city’s most anticipated annual pilgrimage for music lovers is once again upon us. Between the international heavyweights, homegrown heroes and genre-bending newcomers, the lineup is stacked enough to give even the most organised festival aficionado a slight panic attack while building their schedule. To help narrow things down, we’ve picked a handful of artists we think are absolutely worth making time for. In no particular order, here are the nine sets we’re most excited to catch at Africa’s Grandest Gathering this year.
Jacob Collier
Multi-GRAMMY-winning musical wunderkind Jacob Collier is known for turning entire audiences into sprawling, multi-part vocal harmonies. Expect a joyful, technically mind-bending set that blurs the line between performer and crowd.
When: Friday 27 March | Where: Kippies Stage
Abdullah Ibrahim
At 91, Abdullah Ibrahim remains one of the most profound voices in South African jazz. Catching him live is less a concert and more a masterclass in Cape Jazz history.
When: Friday 27 March | Where: Rosies Stage
Sheila E. & the E-Train
The legendary “Queen of Percussion” Sheila-E returns to Cape Town to headline CTIJF’s free community show. Expect a set packed with funk, Latin jazz and serious rhythmic firepower from a musician who has spent decades commanding stages around the world.
When: Wednesday 25 March | Where: Greenmarket Square
Rorisang Sechele
Rorisang Sechele represents a new generation of jazz voices pushing the genre into contemporary territory. Her blend of neo-soul warmth and jazz sensibility makes for a deeply soulful live experience.
When: Friday 27 March | Where: Moses Molelekwa Stage
BCUC (Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness)
Few live acts hit with the same intensity as BCUC. Their explosive brand of “Africangungungu” merges indigenous traditions, percussion and raw collective energy into something closer to a ritual than a concert.
When: Friday 27 March | Where: Manenberg Stage
Mohini Dey
Widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted bass players in the world, Mohini Dey delivers jaw-dropping virtuosity. Watching her live is a reminder that the bass guitar can be just as thrilling as any lead instrument.
When: Saturday 28 March | Where: Kippies Stage
Yellowjackets
Jazz fusion legends Yellowjackets return to Cape Town for the first time in more than two decades. Their signature blend of jazz, funk and rock remains as innovative as ever.
When: Friday 27 March | Where: Moses Molelekwa Stage
giuliette price
Part of the new wave of South African jazz vocalists, giuliette price brings a fresh, contemporary sound shaped by soul influences. Her set promises the kind of intimate, expressive performance that can quietly steal a festival weekend.
When: Saturday 28 March | Where: Moses Molelekwa Stage
Seba Kaapstad
Berlin-based but deeply rooted in South African soul, Seba Kaapstad create lush, borderless music that moves between neo-soul, jazz and electronic textures. Their live show is as immersive as it is groove-heavy.
When: Saturday 28 March | Where: Moses Molelekwa Stage
Tickets for this year’s CTIJF are available here.
