Kandace Springs joins the CTIJF 2025 line-up: the countdown to the final four artists begins

With just four more artists left to be revealed, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) 2025 is on the brink of unveiling its full line-up of 33 world-class acts.

And today, they’re turning up the heat with an electrifying mix of legendary icons, rising stars and genre-defining pioneers.

Leading this latest wave of announcements is the incomparable Kandace Springs - the soulful jazz sensation whose velvety vocals and masterful piano work have captivated audiences worldwide.

Returning after a three-year hiatus, she brings her deeply personal and introspective album, "Run Your Race" (2024), a tribute to her late father, the legendary Scat Springs.

A mix of jazz, soul and heartfelt storytelling, the album sees her collaborating with Gregg Wells (Adele), Matt Hales (Lianne La Havas), Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken (Rihanna). Accompanied by her powerhouse all-female rhythm section, Springs will deliver a performance that is as intimate as it is unforgettable. 

And that’s not all - South African music royalty TKZee is set to shake up the CTIJF stage! Pioneers of the kwaito revolution, the late Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala, Kabelo “Bouga” Mabalane and Zwai Bala have changed the game with classics like Shibobo, Dlala Mapantsula and Mambotjie.

Their electrifying live performances have cemented their status as trailblazers in South African music.

However, this performance will be especially poignant, as it also honours the legacy of Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala - a lyrical genius and cultural icon whose impact on kwaito remains undeniable.

Through TKZee’s music, his spirit lives on, making this set a powerful tribute to his extraordinary contribution to the industry.

Bringing infectious Latin rhythms and world-class musicianship, Ritmo will have festivalgoers dancing with its fusion of salsa, bossa nova, marrabenta, samba, jazz, funk, and rock.

Featuring a star-studded line-up of Cape Town’s finest musicians - including Amy Campbell, Keeno Lee, Blake Hellaby, Shaun Johannes, John Hassan, and Gavin Minter - Ritmo’s high-energy set will be one to remember.

And from Cape Town’s vibrant jazz scene, Thembi Dunjana steps into the spotlight with her critically acclaimed album God Bless iKapa, released under US label Africarise.

A two-time Mzansi Jazz Award winner, Dunjana’s work is a heartfelt tribute to her home city and a fusion of influences ranging from John Coltrane and Horace Silver to Moses Molelekwa and Bheki Mseleku.

Fresh off a US tour, including a performance at Jazz at Lincoln Centre, she is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s brightest jazz talents.

Lindsay Rhoda, talent manager, expressed excitement about this announcement, saying: "The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has always been a beacon of musical excellence, and this year’s line-up is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic we’ve ever had.

"From the jazz brilliance of Kandace Springs to the kwaito legends TKZee, the vibrant Latin fusion of Ritmo, and the homegrown genius of Thembi Dunjana, every artist adds a unique energy to the festival.

"And with five more names still to be revealed, we are building up to an unforgettable musical experience."

With Lira, Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini, Thandiswa Mazwai, Masego, Incognito, Linda Sikhakhane, Benjamin Jeptha with Kunjenga, Victor Masonda with Bheki Khoza and Thembi, Ari Lennox and Nomfundo Xaluva, to name a few, and now Kandace Springs, TKZee, Ritmo, and Thembi Dunjana confirmed, the CTIJF 2024 line-up is shaping up to be one for the history books.

But we’re not done yet. Next week, we unveil the final FOUR artists - the last puzzle pieces to complete this year’s groundbreaking festival. Stay tuned! 

For more information, visit www.capetowninternationaljazzfest.com, download the app and follow us on @officialcapetownjazzfestival.