The festival’s outdoor stage –Manenberg – is the place to be to amp up the dance moves and energy.
Image: Independent Newspapers
By Natasha Jacobs
It's that time of the year again for Africa’s Grandest Gathering, The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) where the mother city is buzzing and people from across the world are preparing for the largest festival on the African continent, from April 25 to 26, 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The festival attracts thousands of attendees local and international, Unlike many other festivals that focus only on international stars or only on local talent, the CTIJF delivers both, and treats local and international artists equally. Festino’s already know the magic and for newcomers, there’s never been a better time to become a festino.
The festival is held in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world where the indian and atlantic oceans meet at the Cape Point which is a significant route globally for vessels and ships. The city has the incredible Table Mountain, which is one of the seven wonders of the world, beautiful beaches, Robben Island where Former President Nelson Mandela was incarcerated from 1964 who played a significant role in Dr Iqbal Surve, the chairman of the Sekunjalo Group becoming a businessman. In January this year, Cape Town was also voted the best city in the world by Time Out.
The CTIJF has been fully black-owned since the Survé Family rescued it from near collapse in 2006 and it has been successful ever since. The Festival is headed by an all women team, which is a testament to Dr Survé’s commitment to women empowerment and transformation.
At last year's festival the Survé Family made an announcement of its further commitment of R100 million to the festival's sustainability and long-term cultural investment.
The festival contributes to the economic landscape, creates jobs, uplifts the youth from high school learners to township-based performers with its training and development programme and workshops.
This year's lineup takes the theme “Legacy meets tomorrow” to the next level, honouring the past legends and welcoming the future with artists such as: Grammy award winner DJ and producer Black Coffee in collaboration with Nduduzo Makhathini. DJ Black Coffee is a global icon who has electrified audiences across the world, performing in countries like the United States, Spain, Australia, Indonesia, Colombia, Brazil, and Qatar. From the legendary stages of Hï Ibiza to arenas in Miami, Sydney, and São Paulo, his unique Afro-house sound has redefined electronic music on a worldwide scale.
The other amazing artists who will grace the stages are: Thandiswa Mazwai , Ari Lennox, Lira, Benjamin Jeptha ft kujenga, Linda Sikhakhane, Malcolm Jiyane, Bongeziwe Mabandla, iphumho L’ka Biko, Masego, Incongito, Kelvin Momo, Igor Butman, Kandace Springs, performing on historic stages called Kippies, Manenberg, Rosies and Moses Molelekwa.
This year’s CTIJF isn’t just a festival, it’s a moment. With its bold new energy, unforgettable collabs, and a global-meets-local lineup that’s never been done before, it’s set to rewrite the story of live music on African soil.
This genre mix attracts all music lovers. Year after year, tickets sell out fast. People come out to see their icons, discover new artists and be part of the world-class experience.
* Natasha Jacobs is an independent writer.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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