CTIJF: Africa’s Grandest Gathering returns to Cape Town next year

It always starts the same way: a date, a city, a familiar name, and then the realisation that something big is coming back.

This time, it’s Africa’s Grandest Gathering, which is returning to Cape Town.

On March 27 and 28, 2026, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival will once again take over the Cape Town International Convention Centre, launching its 23rd edition with a bold new visual identity and a first-wave line-up that signals confidence, ambition and global reach.

Ranked as the fourth largest jazz and music festival in the world, CTIJF 2026 places Cape Town firmly back at the centre of the international jazz map.

This is where the world comes to listen and where South Africa answers back.

Leading the charge is seven-time Grammy Award winner Jacob Collier, who will headline the Kippies Stage on Friday, March 27.

Known for genre-defying compositions and immersive live performances, Collier’s appearance sets the tone for what organisers are calling one of the most memorable editions in the festival’s history - a moment designed not just to be heard, but experienced.

There is history here, too. Yellowjackets, the legendary jazz fusion outfit formed in 1977, return to the CTIJF stage for the first time since 2005. The Grammy-winning group will perform on the Moses Molelekwa Stage, reconnecting with Cape Town audiences while continuing a legacy that has shaped contemporary jazz for nearly five decades.

Discovery remains part of the festival’s DNA. UK saxophonist Jasmine Myra will make her South African debut on the Rosies Stage, bringing with her a rapidly growing global following and critically acclaimed releases.

Her inclusion reflects CTIJF’s commitment to contemporary voices and the global representation of women in music.

And then there is the sound of home.

True to its roots, CTIJF 2026 foregrounds South African excellence. Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, an icon whose influence spans generations, brings decades of musical innovation to the festival. 

Nduduzo Makhathini returns with An Ongoing Rehearsal: Our-Ke(s)tra, featuring special guests Rehearsing Future Sounds - a powerful reflection of spiritual jazz and contemporary African expression.

A new generation steps forward alongside them. Rorisang Sechele, Jabulile Majola and R&B standout Manana reflect the depth and diversity of local artistry, while Jazzwrld & Thukuthela, ranked among Spotify Africa’s Top 5 South African artists in 2025, bring the pulse of Afro-house and South Africa’s global digital sound to the stage.

Tickets for the 23rd Cape Town International Jazz Festival are now available via Ticketmaster, with single-day tickets and limited weekend passes on sale.

With a fresh new look, world-class headliners and South African excellence at its core, CTIJF 2026 promises two unforgettable days of music, culture and connection.

The countdown has begun. Cape Town is ready. Africa’s Grandest Gathering returns.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to:

• Secure tickets early via Ticketmaster.

• Visit the newly revamped CTIJF website – www.capetownjazzfest.com — for the latest festival news and artist announcements.

• Follow CTIJF on social media — @capetowninternationaljazzfest — where additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

• Engage with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and festival updates across CTIJF’s official platforms