LOOK: The fans, the artists and a city that jazzed it up at the CTIJF's free concert

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) came alive in a whirlwind of colour and sound last night (April 24), during its highly anticipated free concert at Greenmarket Square.

As the sun began to set, the vibrant crowd, already buzzing with excitement by 6pm, delighted by the electrifying performances on a stage bedecked with dazzling lights.

The free concert offered a tantalising preview of the festival, which will officially take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) over the weekend, featuring a stellar line-up of 33 acts across four stages.

Attendees gathered not only for the music but also to experience a sense of community, joy and cultural appreciation.

THE FANS

Among the artists thrilling the audience were The Plomies, DJ Eazy, a seasoned Cape Town DJ boasting over two decades of experience, alongside the exuberant British-born, Cape Town-raised singer-songwriter Hannah Ray, the dynamic Andrea Fortuin, the much-loved Kwaito group TKZee, British acid jazz pioneers Incognito, and sensational singer Fancy Galada. 

As the beats reverberated through the square, attendees of all ages soaked in the vibrant atmosphere, a celebration of not just jazz but the diversity and creativity thriving within the South African music scene. 

THE ARTISTS

We caught up with festival-goers to get their thoughts on the enticing event. Iago McBrown, a 17-year-old from Cape Town, attended the free concert with his mother and aunt.

Expressing his enthusiasm, he remarked, “I think it’s really nice; I like the vibe. There are a lot of people dressed very nicely and wearing bright colours.” Despite his unfamiliarity with jazz music, he enjoyed the concert so much that he is eager to explore the genre further, hoping that future events might feature international stars like Chris Brown or Justin Bieber.

Meanwhile, Jacquilene Peterson, a 53-year-old frequent attendee, echoed similar sentiments.

“I have been attending for a few years now,” she shared. "I am very grateful for the free concert because there are many who can't afford the jazz festival tickets; this concert gives people a taste of the good life.” Her passion for jazz music shines through as she values the platform it provides for different artists across borders, ensuring that students and emerging talent get the chance to shine.

Commenting on the festival, Zwai Bala from TKZee noted, “This year’s line-up symbolises a great celebration of fellow artists we either grew up with or those who grew up on our work. Jazz has contributed immensely to how we approach our own music-making.”

As the evening unfolded, the crowd danced, sang along, and celebrated multicultural unity through music. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival free concert proved to be not just a predecessor to the official festival but an unforgettable evening in its own right - one that will resonate within the city’s cultural fabric for years to come. 

See you this weekend at Africa’s Grandest Gathering.

* For over two decades, CTIJF has set the stage for a world-class celebration of jazz. This year promises to be no exception as the festival delivers a bold new vibe that blends the timeless legacy of jazz with fresh, trailblazing talent from across the globe with a full line-up for tonight and tomorrow night. You can also find the weekend's CTIJF line-up here: https://www.capetownjazzfest.com/2025-artist-lineup/

Last-minute tickets of the almost sold-out festival range from R950 to R1 500, available for purchase through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.capetownjazzfest.com or download the festival app from your app store, and follow @officialcapetownjazzfestival on social media.