To ensure that the logistics are as smooth as the jazz festival, the City has reminded residents and motorists that temporary road closures will be in place to accommodate the free concert on Greenmarket Square and the main event at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Image: Picture: David Ritchie/Independent Newspapers
The 2025 Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) Free Concert line-up is set to electrify the CBD with performances from a dynamic mix of international icons and local talent on Thursday.
The event at Greenmarket Square is a precursor to the CTIJF taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) over the weekend.
Headliners include British acid jazz legends Incognito, iconic South African kwaito group TKZee, genre-blending group The Ploemies, rising star Hannah Ray, powerhouse vocalists Andrea Fortuin and Fancy Galada, as well as DJ Eazy, who will keep the energy flowing between sets.
The free-to-attend open air concert has over the years become a popular feature of Cape Town’s annual events calendar. The Free Jazz Concert provides residents and visitors a front row seat to a world-class musical experience at the second oldest public space in Cape Town – Greenmarket Square.
“The Free Jazz Concert has become an annual tradition for Capetonians and visitors alike, who come together to enjoy and celebrate their love of music. It is an opportunity for the City, working with the organisers of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, to provide a musical experience with big name artists for those who are not able to get tickets for the main festival.
“We invite everyone to come and be part of this special celebration set in a safe, vibrant, and family-friendly environment. Bring your loved ones, soak in the rhythm of the city, and enjoy world-class performances under the Cape Town sky,” said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.
The concert kicks off at 4:30pm and runs until 10pm.
To facilitate the event, temporary road closures will be implemented in the city centre.
Road closures for the Free Jazz Concert will be in place from 6am between Wednesday, and Friday, in and around Greenmarket Square area including Burg Street between Church and Longmarket streets, Longmarket Street between Long and Adderley streets, Burg Street between Hout and Shortmarket streets and Shortmarket Street between Long and Adderley streets.
Following the Free Concert, the CTIJF will take centre stage at the CTICC Friday and Saturday.
With over 30 artists performing across multiple stages, the 21st edition of the CTIJF will deliver a vibrant celebration of global jazz, soul, and Afro-fusion. The festival includes a bold line up of genre-blending artists, including a collaboration between Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee and jazz pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, American R&B sensation Ari Lennox, South African music icon Thandiswa Mazwai, 11-time SAMA winning Afro-soul artist Lira, among others.
In addition, closures will be in effect around the CTICC for the main CTIJF event on Friday and Saturday at Walter Sisulu Avenue (East Bound) between Lower Long and Heerengracht Streets from 4pm on Friday, to 5pm on Sunday.
Lower Long Street will be closed between Walter Sisulu Avenue and FW De Klerk Boulevard from 4pm Friday, to 5pm on Sunday, and Walter Sisulu Avenue (West Bound) between Heerengracht and Lower Long Streets from 6pm on Friday, to 5pm on Sunday.
Cape Times
