Ari Lennox's 'soft girl era' in Clifton, Cape Town ahead of her debut CTIJF performance

A force of nature in the global scene, US-born R&B singer-songwriter sensation Ari Lennox, will make her highly anticipated debut at the Cape Town International Jazz festival's finale tonight... but not before she had some downtime on Clifton fourth beach earlier this week.

In a stunning soft pink bikini, with the classic Clifton beach homes in the background, Lennox posed on the white sands as the crystal blue ocean shimmers closeby as her song Soft Girl Era - released this year - plays.

She posted it on her Instagram account yesterday simply with the hashtag #softgirlera with her song playing in the background. The photo comes fresh on the news that Lennox has officially parted ways with Dreamville Records months after blasting the label on social media. 

According to reports, Lennox’s departure has been handled quietly and she will now be releasing music solely through Interscope Records. Interscope are the sole label credited on Lennox’s latest single “Soft Girl Era”.

Maybe the photo, the song and the hashtag has a message for what Lennox is hoping for in this next chapter of her life.

One thing is for sure, jazz enthusiasts will be queuing to see her tonight on Kippies stage,

Described by the organisers of the CTIJF 2025 as having "a voice that drips with soul and raw emotion", Lennox is redefining contemporary R&B with her rich, honeyed vocals and deeply personal storytelling.

Effortlessly blending jazz, soul, and modern groove, her performances are intimate yet electrifying-  an invitation into a world where vulnerability meets power.

For more information in the CTIJF: https://www.capetownjazzfest.com/