CAPE ICON: Abdullah Ibrahim
Image: Supplied
THE countdown is finally over and the biggest party weekend on the African continent het geland as all roads lead to the Cape Town International Convention Centre for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Dust off those dancing shoes, get ready to boogie and meet your jazz partner on the dance floor as thousands of jazz lovers descend on the Mother City on Friday and Saturday.
The festival’s artist lineup reaffirms its status as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, bringing artists from around the world under one roof to give you the time of your life.
Leading the international lineup is Grammy-winning British multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier, whose genre-defying performances and musical virtuosity have captivated audiences worldwide.
Collier said he is out to create a choir from the crowd, with South African fans known for their passionate support of music.
He said: “Of all the places I’ve imagined or heard about, Cape Town is one of the most thrilling to imagine. I know how deep the choral roots are in South Africa, so I have pretty high hopes for that audience.”
He is joined by the legendary American jazz-fusion ensemble Yellowjackets, bringing decades of innovation and musical mastery to the festival stage.
Further international highlights include American percussionist and band leader SheilaE and The E-Train, British jazz collective Nubiyan Twist, Portuguese jazz icon MariaJoão, and Russian saxophonist Igor Butman performing with the Moscow Jazz Orchestra.
South Africa’s rich musical heritage will be strongly represented.
Topping the list of homegrown artists is legendary pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim.
Keeping the fire going is Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, and acclaimed pianist Nduduzo Makhathini performing with An Ongoing Rehearsal Our-Ke(s)tra.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.
Gig guides
- Gather your friends and family at the Southern Mail Wynberg Family Festival from the 27th to 29th March 2026 at Maynardville Park in Wynberg. Catch performers like the Temple Boys, Vuvu Khumalo, DJ Jermaine SA, Billy G, Karin Kortje and many more. With so many tasty foods and carnival rides to choose from. Tickets are available on Computicket.
- Stiek uit in your favourite colour on Saturday as Team Kylie Events presents the We Outside Experience Picnic Edition at Belhar Rugby Field. Catch DJ Masoodah, DJ Skara, DJ Elsies, DJ Chad and many more on the 1s and 2s. Tickets are available at the door for R120. Camping chairs and corkage are welcome at R50. The party starts at 12pm till late.
- If you want to relax and recharge, then Joostenberg Vlakte is the place to be for Intentional Me Health and Wellness Day on Saturday at 10am. The cost per person is R250. Contact 063 680 6667
- Catch DJ Rollstoel, DJ Rico, Chebba, DJ Wedge SA and more at Dante’s Premiere Lounge in Bellville on Saturday for an all-black affair. Entry is R50 all night.