South Africa’s queen of Afro-soul, Lira, makes a powerful and emotional comeback to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival stage after overcoming a significant health setback.
Image: Supplied
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is on fire! With each new wave of artist announcements, the 2025 line-up just keeps getting hotter.
It kicked off with a bang — announcing global superstar Black Coffee and the jazz genius Nduduzo Makhathini. It followed up with the smooth and sultry Ari Lennox, and then dropped a stellar mix of world-class talents, including
Now, the organisers of the CTIJF are back with another show-stopping reveal.
This week, they bring us three more extraordinary acts set to light up the festival stage: the incomparable Lira, the powerhouse Supercrew and the dynamic Plurism.
And here’s the kicker —they are only halfway through revealing the over 30 artists who will be performing during this electrifying two-day spectacle!
South Africa’s queen of Afro-soul, Lira, makes a powerful and emotional comeback to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival stage after overcoming a significant health setback. The multi-award-winning songstress suffered a stroke in 2022, which temporarily affected her speech and ability to sing. But through resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for her craft, she has made an incredible recovery.
Lira in all her power.
Image: Supplied
Lira’s journey back to music has been one of inspiration, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the healing force of song. Known for her rich, velvety voice and uplifting messages of love and hope, she has captivated audiences worldwide with hits such as Feel Good, Something Inside So Strong, and Rise Again.
Her return to the CTIJF stage will be more than just a performance — it will be a moment of triumph, a celebration of her indomitable spirit, and a testament to the unwavering love and support of her fans. Expect an unforgettable performance filled with soul, emotion, and the magic that only Lira can deliver.
Ward, Prins, Shepherd, and Rubain — four legends, four virtuosos, one unforgettable collaboration.
Guitarist Cameron Ward, who toured the world as Hugh Masekela’s lead guitarist for over a decade, brings unmatched artistry and passion to the strings.
Donveno Prins, the "saxy-est and vibey-est" saxophonist in South Africa, has shared the stage with global icons such as Jonathan Butler, Marcus Miller, and Kirk Whalum.
Kyle Shepherd, an internationally celebrated jazz pianist and award-winning film composer, delivers breathtaking musical storytelling.
Completing this powerhouse lineup is Jonathan Rubain, a jazz and gospel artist-turned-TV star whose rich musical journey makes him an unstoppable force on stage.
While each has built an impressive solo career, together they form a super crew of jazz mastery — paying tribute to their musical heritage while pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Swiss drummer Dominic Egli’s renowned project, Plurism is a boundary-pushing jazz ensemble that masterfully blends African and European influences.
Their latest project, Umhlangano, is a celebration of unity, bringing together a powerhouse line-up: Mthunzi Mvubu (alto saxophone), a prolific South African saxophonist with a deep and expressive sound; Sisonke Xonti (tenor saxophone), a fearless and emotional player whose music speaks with both power and tenderness; Feya Faku (trumpet), a legend whose warm and soulful playing anchors the ensemble; Raffaele Bossard (upright bass), whose deep, grounding grooves guide the band’s sound; and Dominic Egli himself, a masterful drummer and bandleader whose rhythmic artistry ties it all together.
With a sound that is at once earthy and celestial, Plurism will take festivalgoers on a sonic journey unlike any other.
“With this year’s programme, we’re celebrating the diversity of jazz in all its forms, offering something truly special for every type of music lover,” says Lindsay Rhoda, Talent manager for the festival. “The line-up has been tailor-made to suit our diverse audience, from jazz purists to those who love contemporary fusion. And the best part? We’re only halfway through our artist reveals. The next two rounds of announcements are going to be absolutely thrilling.”
With more than 30 artists set to perform at this year’s festival, expect even bigger surprises and jaw-dropping talent still to come. The CTIJF remains Africa’s Grandest Gathering, bringing together the best of jazz, soul, and beyond in an unforgettable celebration of music.
Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.co.za. For more information visit the festival website www.capetownjazzfest.com or follow on social media @officialcapetownjazzfestival #CTIJF2025 This year’s festival is shaping up to be legendary!
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