ENTERTAINMENT

Jazzy vibes and global jam sessions at CTIJF 2026

1 min read
Multi-Grammy-winning English musician, Jacob Collier, a multi-instrumentalist, master of complex harmony, and a performer of viral audience-orchestrating performances, on the Kippies Stage, on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the Cape Town Convention Centre.
Multi-Grammy-winning English musician, Jacob Collier, a multi-instrumentalist, master of complex harmony, and a performer of viral audience-orchestrating performances, on the Kippies Stage, on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the Cape Town Convention Centre. Picture: Fuad Esack

Last weekend’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival once again transformed the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) into a two-night groove factory, where genres blurred, and global sounds came alive.

 

Manenberg Stage set for South African Grammy award-winning artist Ndumiso Manana’s performance, on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Manenberg Stage set for South African Grammy award-winning artist Ndumiso Manana’s performance, on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Picture: Fuad Esack
South African Grammy award-winning artist Ndumiso Manana, also known as Manana on the Manenberg Stage, on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
South African Grammy award-winning artist Ndumiso Manana, also known as Manana on the Manenberg Stage, on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Picture: Fuad Esack
Biko Star, lead singer of the talented Nhlangothi siblings who appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2024, is seen here in the crowd during South African Grammy award-winning artist Manana’s set on the Manenberg Stage, on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Biko Star, lead singer of the talented Nhlangothi siblings who appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2024, is seen here in the crowd during South African Grammy award-winning artist Manana’s set on the Manenberg Stage, on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival.Picture: Fuad Esack
SA rapper LUUKHANYO and the Hii Rollers bringing a special brand of R&B, hip-hop, and alternative pop to the Manenberg Stage on Day 2 of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the CTICC.
SA rapper LUUKHANYO and the Hii Rollers bringing a special brand of R&B, hip-hop, and alternative pop to the Manenberg Stage on Day 2 of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the CTICC.Picture: Fuad Esack
Grammy-award-winning jazz fusion band, Yellowjackets, led by founding member Russell Ferrante on keyboards and synthesizer, live at the Moses Stage, on Day One of last weekend's Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Grammy-award-winning jazz fusion band, Yellowjackets, led by founding member Russell Ferrante on keyboards and synthesizer, live at the Moses Stage, on Day One of last weekend's Cape Town International Jazz FestivalPicture: Fuad Esack
South African Amapiano music duo Scorpion Kings, consisting of producers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, during their set on the Kippies Stage, at last weekend's Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
South African Amapiano music duo Scorpion Kings, consisting of producers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, during their set on the Kippies Stage, at last weekend's Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Picture: Fuad Esack
Prolific English jazz drummer, Yussef Dayes, bringing The Yusuf Dayes Experience to the Kippies Stage, with his signature high-energy drumming style that blends jazz-funk, hip-hop, reggae, and jungle vibes
Prolific English jazz drummer, Yussef Dayes, bringing The Yusuf Dayes Experience to the Kippies Stage, with his signature high-energy drumming style that blends jazz-funk, hip-hop, reggae, and jungle vibes Picture: Fuad Esack
An appreciative crowd vibing along with Nubiyan Twist, a musical collective known for blending jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and soul, at the Manenberg Stage, on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the Cape Town Convention Centre.
An appreciative crowd vibing along with Nubiyan Twist, a musical collective known for blending jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and soul, at the Manenberg Stage, on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the Cape Town Convention Centre. Picture: Fuad Esack
Jazzwrld (formerly Jazzworx, along with Thukuthela (not pictured) on the Manenberg Stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2026, at the CTICC.
Jazzwrld (formerly Jazzworx, along with Thukuthela (not pictured) on the Manenberg Stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2026, at the CTICC.Picture: Fuad Esack
South African duo Jazzwrld (formerly Jazzworx) and Thukuthela on the Manenberg Stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2026, at the CTICC.
South African duo Jazzwrld (formerly Jazzworx) and Thukuthela on the Manenberg Stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2026, at the CTICC.Picture: Fuad Esack
Cape Town’s own Ashwin Julies — aka Dwson (Dawson) — slides through with his signature soulful beats and layered deep house grooves to light up the Manenberg Stage at CTIJF 2026 at the CTICC
Cape Town’s own Ashwin Julies — aka Dwson (Dawson) — slides through with his signature soulful beats and layered deep house grooves to light up the Manenberg Stage at CTIJF 2026 at the CTICC Picture: Fuad Esack
Critically acclaimed South African band Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness, aka BCUC, pulled through with their brand of raw Soweto energy at the Manenberg Stage on Day One of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Led by Zithulele “Jovi” Zabani Nkosi, the Soweto-based group blends indigenous music, funk, and punk into high-energy, socially conscious performances.
Critically acclaimed South African band Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness, aka BCUC, pulled through with their brand of raw Soweto energy at the Manenberg Stage on Day One of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Led by Zithulele “Jovi” Zabani Nkosi, the Soweto-based group blends indigenous music, funk, and punk into high-energy, socially conscious performances. Picture: Fuad Esack
SA rapper Luukhanyo during his set on the Manenberg Stage on Day 2 of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the CTICC.
SA rapper Luukhanyo during his set on the Manenberg Stage on Day 2 of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the CTICC. Picture: Fuad Esack
Malian singer-songwriter and actress, Fatoumata Diawara during her performance at last weekend's CTIJF.
Malian singer-songwriter and actress, Fatoumata Diawara during her performance at last weekend's CTIJF.Picture: Fuad Esack
Nubiyan Twist, a London-based musical collective known for blending jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and soul, wrapping up their set on the Manenberg Stage, on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the Cape Town Convention Centre.
Nubiyan Twist, a London-based musical collective known for blending jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and soul, wrapping up their set on the Manenberg Stage, on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the Cape Town Convention Centre. Picture: Fuad Esack
Homegrown star, Jimmy Nevis bringing his special brand of musical magic to the Manenberg Stage on Day Two of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the CTICC
Homegrown star, Jimmy Nevis bringing his special brand of musical magic to the Manenberg Stage on Day Two of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the CTICCPicture: Fuad Esack
Jimmy Nevis closing off his set on the Manenberg Stage on Day 2 of last weekend's Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Jimmy Nevis closing off his set on the Manenberg Stage on Day 2 of last weekend's Cape Town International Jazz Festival.Picture: Fuad Esack
Homeboy Jimmy Nevis doing his thing on the final day of this year's Cape Town International Jazz Festival, at the CTICC.
Homeboy Jimmy Nevis doing his thing on the final day of this year's Cape Town International Jazz Festival, at the CTICC.Picture: Fuad Esack
South African jazz maestro Nduduzo Makhathini on stage, at Manerberg Stage on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival at Cape Town Convention Centre.
South African jazz maestro Nduduzo Makhathini on stage, at Manerberg Stage on Day One of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival at Cape Town Convention Centre. Picture: Fuad Esack