Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025: first artists unveiled
The vibrant city of Cape Town is set to become a cultural hotspot as the countdown to the highly anticipated Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) 2025 begins.
With an exciting line-up, this festival promises to be a musical odyssey, inviting enthusiasts from all corners to revel in a celebration of jazz on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26.
This week marks the start of weekly artist announcements, offering a tantalising preview of the incredible talent that attendees can expect.
At the forefront of this year’s festival are two titans of South African music - renowned DJ and producer Black Coffee and acclaimed pianist Nduduzo Makhathini.
The pair, who first collaborated on the track "Muye" from Coffee's celebrated “Music Is King” EP, will take the stage together for their first full-length concert as a duo.
This unique performance promises an innovative fusion of jazz, electronic music, and African rhythms, combined with the grandeur of a full orchestra and a brass section, alongside a selection of special guest vocalists on Friday. S
uch a show not only showcases their musical camaraderie but also underscores the rich jazz legacy cultivated during their formative years at Technikon Natal in Durban.
In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Makhathini expressed his excitement, stating, “You already know, we will be breaking all music genre boundaries and dealing with the core purpose of sound @officialcapetownjazzfestival with my Big Bro @realblackcoffee and we are both excited to share remarkable memories with you all.”
Saturday will witness the musical prowess of the Kyle Shepherd Trio on the Rosies Stage.
Shepherd, a Cape Town native, has firmly established himself as one of SA's premier jazz pianists and composers, gracing stages across 36 countries, including the legendary Carnegie Hall.
The trio, featuring Shane Cooper on double bass and Jonno Sweetman on drums, is set to deliver an exhilarating performance that weaves together SA jazz traditions and global influences.
Their latest album, “A Dance More Sweetly Played”, heralds a significant return to trio recordings after a decade, further solidifying their footprint in the contemporary jazz scene.
Completing this week’s star-studded announcement is the iconic Thandiswa Mazwai, a powerhouse often celebrated as the voice of a generation.
With a remarkable career that spans over 27 years, Thandiswa first rose to prominence as part of the influential group Bongo Maffin before embarking on a solo career that elevated her status as an African music icon.
Her latest project, “Sankofa”, is an exploration of Xhosa musical traditions, seamlessly blending jazz and West African sounds. As she graces the stage on Saturday, attendees can look forward to a rich musical journey derived from her celebrated albums, which have significantly reshaped the African musical landscape.
This initial line-up is merely the starting point; the festival promises more artist announcements leading to the full line-up reveal in April.
With eager anticipation building with each announcement, the CTIJF 2025 is poised to be an unforgettable celebration of jazz and music from Africa and beyond.
Fans are encouraged to stay connected through the festival’s social media channels for updates on announcements and to secure tickets for this extraordinary gathering of musical talent.
Tickets for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025 are available at www.ticketmaster.co.za.