LOOK: Global sensation Ari Lennox' debut at CTIJF 2025 leaves the crowds breathless
A night to remember with Ari Lennox and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Armand Hough
A force of nature in the global scene, US-born R&B singer-songwriter sensation Ari Lennox, made her highly anticipated debut at the Cape Town International Jazz festival's finale night last night to the applause of a packed venue.
It was intimacy amplified, as she took the audience on a journey with the highs and lows of her velvety voice. Earlier in the week, Lennox enjoyed all the touristy attraction of Cape Town, soaking up the sun on Clifton Fourth Beach and visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Her performance, on the Kippies stage, 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”.
The sensational Ari Lennox wowed audiences at the CTIJF 2025's final night.
Image: Fuad Esack
Ari Lennox in action.
Image: Fuad Esack.
If her performance last night was a precursor to what fans can expect from her next chapter, hold on tight: it is nothing short of sensational. Lennox on stage is pure, unfiltered magic - a blend of soulful power, effortless charm and intoxicating authenticity.
Bringing her signature blend of sultry vocals, soulful melodies and raw storytelling to the festival stage, Lennox had the crowds singing and dancing along.
She was on the Kippies stage with the venue full to capacity. Screams of adoration echoed through the venue as she sang all the songs the world knows and have come to love her for.
Ari Lennox moved the crowd at the CTIJF in her performance on the final night.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
And the crowds at the CTIJF 2025 final night went mad about Ari Lennox.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, her rich, honeyed vocals wrapped around the audience like a warm embrace - they were now in Lennox's world and it wasn't one they wanted to leave anytime soon.
Lennox describes her own voice as "vulnerable but soulful; imperfect but pretty", and it is all this and much more. Her sassy vibe and soulful - interspersed with a bit of humour - stage presence left audiences at the CTIJF wanting more.
Lennox has said in multiple interviews that she is inspired by 90s and 2000s R&B singers such as Mariah Carey, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Whitney Houston, Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill, Mary J Blige and Toni Braxton, among many others.
In 2019, Lennox swiftly rose to fame with the release of her highly respected debut album titled Shea Butter Baby. Globally known for her contributions to RNB, Lennox has collaborated with Hip-Hop heavyweights such as Spillage Village, reggae musician Skip Marley, and featured on unforgettable songs with 6lack and Kiana Ledé.
The year 2022 marked another milestone when Lennox released her next project. Titled Age/Sex/Location, the body of work features 12 songs with appearances from Lucky Daye, Chlöe, and Summer Walker. With a total run time of 41 minutes and 28 seconds, the album is filled with experiences that only Lennox knows how to share.
This year, she released her latest song, Soft Girl Era, which marks the beginning of a new chapter for the RNB singer and songwriter. Freshly split from her former label, Dreamville, Ari is ready to take the next step in her career and from what we saw last night, the world has been waiting for this move of the strong, vital RnB singer.
Enjoying Clifton Fourth Beach, Ari Lennox.
Image: Instagram
Ari Lennox at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. She enjoyed some of the tourist sites while in town for the CTIJF.
Image: Instagram