‘Africa’s greatest gathering’ returns with a bang

Bhekizizwe Radebe|Published 9 months ago

Jimmy Dludlu shows off his skills. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Jimmy Dludlu gets the crowd going. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Mandisi Dyantyis was a favourite. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Mandisi Dyantyis in the groove. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

The uMama-hit maker Mandisi Dyantyis during his set on the Kippies stage. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Matt Bianco of the UK. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Mi Casa played an energy-fuelled set. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Mi Casa lead singer J’Something. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Grammy-winning bassist, experimental musician, singer and songwriter MonoNeon (USA). PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Amber Navran of Alternative R&B group Moonchild (USA). PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Dr Nduduzo Makhathini during his set. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Thandi Ntuli entralls the audience. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Ami Faku performed on Saturday. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Benjamin Jephta was among the local stars. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

This past weekend Cape Town hosted jazz fans from all over the world to witness the return of what has been dubbed “Africa’s Grandest Gathering”.

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday May 3 and Saturday May 4 after a four-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A free concert was also hosted on Greenmarket Square in the city centre on Thursday May 2 to get festinos, as the fans are known, to get into the swing of things.

On Friday, the artist line-up consisted of South African artists such as Billy Monana, Judith Sephuma, Kujenga, Mi Casa, Zoe Modiga, Carlo Mombeli and The Prisoners of Strange. International artists included the likes of Matt Bianco (UK), Francesca Biancoli (Italy/SA), Darshan Doshi ft Mark Hartsuch and Tony Grey (India/USA), and Kokoroko (UK).

Saturday was more of a hit with local artists like Ami Faku, Mandisi Dyantyis, Nduduzo Makhathini, Benjamin Jeptha and Jimmy Dludlu wowing the crowds. While international artists included Moonchild (USA), MonoNeon (USA), The Yussef Dayes experience (UK) and Gretchen Parlato and Lionel Loueke (USA/Benin).

More than 18 500 festinos attended the main festival at the CTICC.