Dr Surve at CTIJF 2027 Launch Dr Iqbal Surve honours the late, great Abdullah Ibrahim with a moving and inspiring tribute at the launch of the 2027 Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is set to enter a transformative new era in 2027, with organisers announcing plans to expand beyond the Mother City while honouring the enduring legacy of South African jazz icon Abdullah Ibrahim.
The vision for the festival's next chapter was unveiled on Friday evening at Youngblood-Africa Gallery in Cape Town, where industry leaders, artists and partners gathered for the official 2027 launch. Organisers described the upcoming edition as a "vibrant rebirth" that will preserve the festival's jazz heritage while broadening its national footprint and creating more opportunities for emerging musicians.
Speaking at the launch, CTIJF chairman Rayhaan Survé revealed that new funding has been secured to support the festival's expansion into Johannesburg and Durban, allowing the brand to grow beyond its traditional Cape Town home.
Survé said the expansion is not simply about staging more events, but about creating platforms where young musicians can develop, perform and gain exposure, ensuring the future of South African jazz is nurtured for generations to come.
