Hitting all the right notes: my unforgettable first experience at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival
MUSIC
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is a celebration that not only highlights the richness of jazz but also fosters cultural exchange and unity within the music community.
Image: Photographer: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), often referred to as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, is a celebration that not only highlights the richness of jazz but also fosters cultural exchange and unity within the music community.
This year, I had the privilege of attending this iconic festival for the first time, an experience I will cherish forever.
Kickstarting the festival on a vibrant note, a free concert was held at Greenmarket Square on Thursday, April 24.
Arriving around 6pm, the venue was already brimming with energy, with festival-goers dancing and singing.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly TKZee, whose performance was electrifying, stirring up nostalgia among the audience.
As their set concluded, chants of “We want more” echoed through the square, a true testament to the contagious energy that filled the air.
The excitement carried through to Friday, April 25, as I entered the renowned Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) for the main festival.
Instantly greeted by warm smiles from fellow attendees and enthusiastic vendors, I felt the excitement rising.
The vibrant sounds of saxophones and trumpets reverberated from various stages, creating a magical backdrop to this beloved celebration of jazz.
Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini closed their show strongly, elevating the spirit of CTIJF to new heights.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
The performance line-up was a dazzling array of talent, boasting icons such as Black Coffee, Nduduzo Makhathini, Incognito, Muneeb Hermans, Linda Sikhakhane, and Ivan Mazuze.
Each artist brought their distinctive flair and style to the jazz genre, igniting the crowd and creating an electric atmosphere.
As a DJ, I was particularly excited about the collaborative performance between Black Coffee and Makhathini.
When they took to the stage for their closing act, the energy was palpable. Their set opened with the soulful anthem “Ndod'emnyama,” featuring vocals from Samthing Soweto, immediately signalling an epic performance ahead.
Another memorable highlight included their rendition of Kabza De Small’s “Khusela” alongside Msaki, a moment that had the entire crowd singing in blissful unison.
PIONEER: Acid jazz pioneers, Incognito during their stint on stage, at last night's CTIJF free concert on Greenmarket Square.
Image: Fuad Esack
Yet, beyond the masterful performances, what truly set this festival apart was the profound sense of community it fostered.
Music lovers from various backgrounds came together to celebrate, dance, and revel in the joy that good music brings.
I found myself engaging in passionate conversations with fellow festival-goers about their favourite performances and exploring the rich history of the festival.
Each exchange was a heartfelt reminder of the universal language that music embodies.
The festival also offered enlightening masterclasses featuring some of the participating artists, and I had the honour of meeting the Indian band Bombay Lights, known for their fusion of soul and Indian classical roots blended with contemporary jazz.
Their warmth and welcoming spirit resonated through the conversation as they shared how they incorporate traditional instruments into their music, highlighting the diversity that jazz encompasses.
TKZee in action.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Reflecting on my first experience at the CTIJF, I leave with greater respect for the world of jazz and a collection of memories that will linger.
The festival's ability to attract talent from across the world while still celebrating local musical heritage is a testament to the power of music in bridging cultural divides and nourishing the soul.