This weekend's Cape International Jazz Festival will feature some of the best musicians, including Zoë Modiga.
Image: Picture: Supplied
The pulse of the Mother City is rising once again as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival reclaims its place among the world’s premier music events, cementing its status as the fourth-largest jazz festival globally.
After the enforced silence of the Covid-19 hiatus and the steady rebuilding of audiences, the festival returns this weekend with renewed energy, undeniable momentum, and a powerful show of strength by numbers. Over the coming days, approximately 30,000 jazz and music lovers from across South Africa and around the world will converge in Cape Town’s city centre, a clear signal that Africa’s Grandest Gathering is not only back, but thriving.
The festivities kick off at 4pm today with the much-anticipated Free Concert at Greenmarket Square, expected to draw over 10,000 attendees. This electrifying opening sets the tone for the weekend, featuring an exciting lineup including Joneca, Zolani Mahola, Cameron Ward, Justin-Lee, Zoë Modiga, and the legendary Sheila E. & The E-Train.
The main festival, with headliners Jacob Collier, The Yussuf Dayes Experience and Abdullah Ibrahim, unfolds over two spectacular nights this Friday and Saturday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Audiences can expect an immersive musical experience, with 15 international acts, more than 20 South African artists and a total of 340 musicians. Spanning genres from jazz and soul to Afro-fusion and beyond, the programme reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the global music landscape. With doors opening at 5pm and performances running from 6pm until 2am each evening, festivalgoers will be treated to eight hours of world-class live music across multiple stages, a testament to the scale, ambition, and enduring appeal of the festival.
More than just a return, this year’s edition marks a decisive resurgence. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival stands as a beacon of cultural excellence and resilience, reaffirming its global standing while showcasing the magnetic power of Cape Town as a destination for world-class events. As the city prepares to welcome thousands, one thing is clear: the rhythm is back, the stage is set, and Cape Town is once again at the centre of the global jazz spotlight.