Following the devastating effects Covid 19 lock down had in the arts industry a group of artists gathered at 'Untitled Basement' in Braamfontein to keep the arts in jazz music alive. They meet on every last Tuesday of the month and at the end of February their gathering was sponsored by the Cape Town International Jazz Festival as an activation and build up to the event.
Image: Timothy Bernard/ Independent Newspapers
In the lead-up to Africa's Grandest Gathering, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival(CTIJF) and That Tuesday Funk (TTF) successfully curated a day-long event in Johannesburg.
This gathering was a vibrant celebration of community and musical freedom, bringing together jazz enthusiasts in an atmosphere rich with the unifying power of music.
The event, held at the Untitled Basement in Braamfontein on Tuesday, February 24, featured authentic musicians. Each gave a stellar presentation of their art.
From Vuyo Viwe on the flute to Rorisang Sechele, who delivered her immaculate vocals, the night was a warm-up of what’s yet to come in March.
Speaking to “Independent Media Lifestyle”, Sechele shared her excitement about being part of the CTIJF line-up for the very first time in her career, describing the moment as both surreal and deeply affirming.
“I feel so excited. It honestly feels surreal,” she said, adding that there are moments when the reality of it all still hasn’t sunk in.
“There are times when people say, ‘Oh my gosh, Rory, Cape Town International!’ and I’m like, ‘Oh yes, that’s actually happening.’”
Rorisang Sechele will be taking on the stage at the 2026 Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Timothy Bernard/ Independent Newspapers
For the 25-year-old musician, simply stepping onto that stage carries its own weight. She highlighted the importance of festivals like CTIJF in creating spaces where music can do what it does best: bring people together.
“I think it’s so important for us to have that sense of community through music. Especially after Covid, everything has become so digital. This brings us back together, not just locally but internationally.
"We need more spaces like this, more festivals that allow for connection and cultural exchange,” she said.
When asked who she is most looking forward to seeing on the CTIJF line-up, Sechele said that UK Grammy award-winning multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier was at the top of the list, noting that seeing him live would be a completely different experience from watching his performances online.
“Hearing those harmonies on YouTube is one thing, but seeing him live is going to take it to another level,” she said.
She also expressed excitement about Yussef Dayes, laughing as she called his name before jokingly “dropping the mic”, and mentioned her admiration for local artist Manana, whose work she has long been a fan of.
The Braamfontein showcase served as both a celebration of jazz culture and a reminder of the communal power of live music, a fitting preview of the energy expected when the CTIJF returns next month.
That sense of connection was echoed by Mariana del Carmen, espAfrika’s talent coordinator, who described the CTlJF as more than just a weekend event but as a long-term cultural commitment.
She explained that the festival sees itself as a custodian of culture, with a responsibility to nurture both the music and the communities around it. According to del Carmen, that is why CTIJF has expanded its presence beyond Cape Town, hosting activations in cities like Johannesburg and Durban throughout the year.
“When you gather communities before the main festival, it strengthens both the music and the people,” she said, noting that these moments help build momentum long before the actual event begins.
Del Carmen added that making something like this possible takes deep collaboration. From partners such as Concerts SA, FEC and That Tuesday Funk, to creative collaborators like The Dig Global and the musicians themselves, she emphasised that the festival is a collective effort at its core.
She also stressed that these activations are not simply about reaching a wider audience but about meaningful engagement.
“We have a very vested interest in uplifting and empowering the music community. We want the progress of jazz and related genres to live beyond the festival itself and continue growing throughout the year,” she concluded.