Join the rhythm of history and the pulse of future sounds at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025—where legends and rising stars unite in a celebration of music, culture, and connection.
This year’s festival, set for 25 and 26 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), embraces the theme ‘Legacy Meets Tomorrow’—a tribute to the festival’s rich heritage and its evolving future.
From its humble beginnings at the Good Hope Centre, where it welcomed just 6,000 attendees, to becoming Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the CTIJF has grown into a world-class showcase of jazz excellence.
The CTIJF attracts a significant number of local and international tourists and visitors who have been noted to extend their stay in the city. This of course brings a boost to local tourism and hospitality revenues, but it also assist in generating more jobs to cater for the increased demand.
According to festival head, Shaakirah Adams “the festival employs a significant number of people to help stage the event. In fact, up till 2024, the festival has created more than 31,000 jobs (direct and indirect) hosted more than 2,000 South African and 1,600 international artists, trained and developed 3,749 young people in a variety of skills and hosted 18,659 masterclass beneficiaries".
At the heart of this year’s campaign is a beautifully shot video featuring celebrated saxophonist Don Vino Prins and award-winning pianist Kyle Shepherd—two musicians whose careers have been deeply intertwined with the festival’s journey.
Their performances highlight the festival’s enduring influence while shining a spotlight on the new wave of jazz talent set to define the genre for years to come.
Adding to the excitement, well-known personalities Siv Ngesi and Jeannie D lend their voices to the campaign, reinforcing the festival’s dynamic blend of tradition and innovation.
As Jeannie D reflects, “It wasn’t just a stage, it was a vision—one that grew stronger with every note played and every soul touched at Africa’s Grandest Gathering.”
Echoing this sentiment, Don Vino Prins proudly states, “From here, we built a stage for the world. Where jazz found its home in Cape Town, where Africa’s Grandest Gathering was born.”
Actor and presenter Siv Ngesi adds, “And now we carry the legacy into tomorrow, keeping Africa’s Grandest Gathering alive for generations to come.”Endorsing the campaign, Cape Town Mayor Gordon Hill-Lewis proudly proclaims that the festival is taking place in “The Best City in the World”, as recently announced by Time Out.
With a world-class line-up featuring both legendary icons and fresh, ground breaking talent from local and international jazz scenes, CTIJF 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz enthusiast or a newcomer drawn to the festival’s vibrant energy, this year’s event offers something extraordinary for everyone.
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival isn’t just about music — it’s about legacy, culture, and the power of shared experiences.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of history in the making.
Festino day and weekend access tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.co.za. General admission includes access to the Kippies, Manenberg, and Moses Molelekwa stages.
Rosies stage surcharge tickets will be available later at R30 per person, per show.
Follow the Festival:
Instagram: @officialcapetownjazzfestival
X: @CTJazzFestFacebook: Cape Town International Jazz Festival
TikTok: @capetownjazzfest
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