Cape Town International Jazz fest promises fireworks

CTIJF has announced the first round of artists that will be performing on five stages from 31 March-1 April 2017. After last year’s successful festival, the organisers are determined to feed the appetite of regular “festinos” as well as attract new music disciples.

The festival boasts an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary jazz, funk, soul, hip hop and everything in between. It also has an exciting mix of local and international contemporary artists.

The international line-up includes contemporary jazz super group, Jazz Funk Soul with renowned saxophonist Everette Harp, keyboardist Jeff Lorber and guitarist Paul Jackson Jr.  The fusion players make up part of the international line-up including Laura Mvula (UK) and En Vogue (USA).

The local line-up sees veterans Ernie Smith, Judith Sephuma, Soweto String Quartet, Siya Makhuzeni return to the jazz festival stages. Tune Recreation Committee (SA) lead by trumpeter Mandla Mlangeni with guitarist Keenan Ahrends, Nicholas Williams (bass) and Claude Cozens (drums) will also be gracing the jazz stage together with award-winning Cape Town born trumpeter Darren English(SA/ USA) and the two-time Oscar-nominee, veteran composer, trombonist, bandleader and director Jonas Gwangwa & Friends (SA).

Newer contemporary jazz group and 2017 winners of the espYoungLegends competition VuDu (SA) will perform featuring founding members Sisanda “Sunda” Myataza (vocals) and Kristo Zondagh (drums) joined by Wesley Keet (keyboards) and new bass player Grant Allison to showcase a diverse mix of traditional and contemporary jazz.

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Genres will be fully represented with SA band The Rudimentals’ contagious blend of reggae, rock and dancehall and hip hop artist and smooth saxophone sounds of Grammy-nominated Manu Dibango (Cameroon).

Festival Director Billy Domingo said the line-up is a reflection of past, present and future: "we are undergoing a musical renaissance, where different musical genres and performers are collaborating to create new sounds for new audiences who may come from different walks of life, but who all appreciate what music has to offer.”

Ticket Info

Ticket sales for the CTIJF launched earlier in November and are available at Computicket and at the following links: Weekend Passes | Day Passes


The CTIJF has also opened applications for it CTIJF Arts Journalism and Photo Journalism courses, please also see: www.capetownjazzfest.com