South Africans are buzzing with excitement after the announcement today, Tuesday, January 21, that the renowned Cape Town International Jazz Festival will be taking place on April 25 and 26 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The annual gathering, which is dubbed “Africa’s Grandest Gathering”, promises to be a memorable occasion as it will feature over 30 local and international artists.

Mandisi Dyantyis performing at the 21st Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) in May 2024. Photographer Halden Krog

If you’re not yet a jazz aficionado but want to immerse yourself in the energy and magic of this globally renowned festival, we’ve got you covered.

Here are seven steps to dive into the world of jazz:

The 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience.

1. Start with the classics

Familiarise yourself with legendary albums that have shaped the genre.

Essential listens include:

“Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis.
“A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane.
“Ellington at Newport” by Duke Ellington.
“Charlie Parker” with Strings by Charlie Parker.
“Monk’s Dream” by Thelonious Monk.

Explore iconic South African albums to understand the country’s rich jazz heritage:

“Grazing in the Grass” by
“Mannenberg” by Abdullah Ibrahim.
“Pata Pata” by Miriam Makeba.
“Brotherhood of Breath” by Chris McGregor.
“A Light for the People” by Caiphus Semenya.

2. Attend live performances

Jazz thrives in a live setting so it is vital to explore local jazz clubs and festivals such as the CTIJF, to experience improvisational magic first-hand.

3. Dive into jazz history

Gain a deeper appreciation by exploring the history of jazz and its cultural significance.

Recommended reads:

“Jazz” by Ken Burns.
“The History of Jazz” by Ted Gioia.
“Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life” by Laurence Bergreen.

For South African jazz history, explore:

“Jazz: The African Sound” by Chris McGregor.
“South African Jazz” by Bill Frisell.

4. Explore jazz subgenres

From the high energy of bebop to the laid-back vibes of cool jazz, there’s a subgenre for every listener. Don’t hesitate to explore various styles to find what resonates with you.

Other subgenres include blues, boogie-woogie, swing, Afro-Cuban jazz as well as Cape jazz, with the name being a reference to Cape Town and which is performed in the very southern part of Africa.

5. Listen to contemporary jazz

Jazz is alive and evolving. Check out modern artists such as Kamasi Washington, Snarky Puppy and Esperanza Spalding.

In South Africa, discover innovative artists such as Siya Makuzeni, Nduduzo Makhathini and Mbuso Khoza.

6. Join a community

Connect with others who share your passion for jazz. Join online forums, attend local events such as the CTIJF or participate in discussions to deepen your understanding and appreciation.

7. Learn an instrument

Consider learning an instrument such as the saxophone, trumpet or piano to truly connect with the genre. Jazz is about improvisation, so playing an instrument offers insight into its complexities.

Jimmy Dludlu performing at the 21st Cape Town International Jazz Festival in May 2024. Photographer Halden Krog

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a jazz aficionado and fully immersing yourself in the Cape Town International Jazz Festival experience.

Music reporter Lutho Pasiya loves listening to jazz music. Picture: Supplied.

Here are Lutho Pasiya's favourite jazz albums of all times:

Hugh Masekela: “Black to the Future”
Manhattan Brothers: “Best Of Manhattan Brothers”
Letta Mbuli: “In The Music The Village Never Ends”
Abdullah Ibrahim: “Water from an Ancient Well”
Miriam Makeba: “’Pata Pata“
Pat Matshikiza & Kippie Moketsi: “Tshona”
Dolly Rathebe: “A Call for Peace“