South African musician Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse performs on the Kippies stage during the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
For more than two decades, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) has stood as one of Africa’s most iconic cultural events, bringing together world-class artists, passionate audiences and unforgettable musical moments.
Since its inception in 2000, the festival has evolved from a bold and ambitious vision into a globally recognised celebration of music, culture, and creativity. What began as a pioneering platform for jazz in South Africa has grown into a landmark event on the international festival calendar, welcoming thousands of attendees annually and positioning Cape Town as a leading destination for live music on the continent.
Over the years, the CTIJF has hosted an extraordinary range of artists, from global icons such as Herbie Hancock, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Al Jarreau and Chaka Khan, to jazz luminaries including Lauryn Hill, Marcus Miller, Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding.
The festival has also consistently championed African excellence, with performances by legends such as Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Youssou N’Dour, Richard Bona, and Femi Kuti, alongside South African icons including Jonathan Butler, Thandiswa Mazwai, Lira, Simphiwe Dana, Jimmy Dludlu, Judith Sephuma and Black Coffee.
