CTIJF 2026 day one: Jacob Collier, Abdullah Ibrahim and SA’s finest take the stage

Day one of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) kicked off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday with a vibrant mix of global stars and top local talent.

Seven-time Grammy Award winner Jacob Collier headlined the night, bringing more than just the vibes. His performance on the Kippies Stage radiated pure joy, as his choir-style music resonated with the South African audience, who effortlessly sang three-part harmonies and wordless melodies under his precise yet joyful conducting.

The UK-born musician formed an even deeper connection when he greeted the crowd with a warm South African “Howzit!” and playfully exclaimed how lekker it felt to perform on African soil. He wove classics into his set, including “I Can See Clearly Now,” fragments of “Wise Man Said,” and gospel-like refrains that had the crowd softly echoing.

During Collier’s performance, the universality of his music was palpable, especially when South African choirs, including the Thanda Choir, joined him on stage for a breathtaking rendition of “I’m With You” - a purely transcendent moment.

South African superstars

Mzansi’s biggest talents lit up CTIJF on Friday night, proving that musical excellence thrives in the country.

South African jazz maestro Nduduzo Makhathini and his band delivered a captivating performance on the Manenberg Stage, cementing his status as one of the nation’s leading acts. South African Grammy Award-winning artist Ndumiso Manana, known as Manana, followed with a soulful set that moved the crowd, who sang along to every word.

Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse drew festivalgoers eager to catch his signature grooves and magnetic stage presence. His high-energy performance brought the stage to life, as he moved effortlessly between instruments.

Historic act

At 91 years old, legendary jazz musician Abdullah Ibrahim delivered one of the festival’s most memorable performances. Taking to the Rosies Stage, Ibrahim’s set drew crowds eager to witness one of the architects of Cape jazz return to the Mother City’s stage.

From the very first chord, it was clear this was more than a performance - it was a musical journey through decades of South African history and jazz. His compositions were celebratory, deeply reflective, and imbued with the weight of his extraordinary experience.

Leading ladies

“Aweh” hitmaker lordkez and Rorisang Sechele were among the standout female artists, alongside British saxophonist and composer Jasmine Myra. Cape Town’s own DJ Sio kicked off the festivities on the Manenberg Stage of “Africa’s Grandest Gathering.”

Sechele had the audience swooning as she brought her powerful project, The Seed, to life during her CTIJF debut. Her set seamlessly blended jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and gospel, creating a sound that was both intimate and expansive.

Later, lordkez (real name Keziah Zoë Meyers) took to the Manenberg Stage, delivering a dynamic performance celebrating her unique blend of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and alternative music. The crowd sang, danced, and cheered along, cementing her reputation as one of South Africa’s most exciting rising stars.

Looking ahead: Night two

Night two of CTIJF promises another musical feast, with Mali’s Fatoumata Diawara, Igor Butman with the Moscow Jazz Orchestra, Varijashree Venugopal from India, and the US’s Sheila E. & The E‑Train taking to the stage. Local stars performing on Saturday will include Tutu Puoane, Carlo Mombelli, Jimmy Nevis and Luukhanyo.