Cape Town's jazz festival will evolve into month-long cultural celebration in 2027

March 2027 will transform Cape Town into a jazz haven, as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) evolves into a month-long celebration of music and culture.

Since its inception in 2000, the festival has evolved from a bold and ambitious vision into a globally recognised celebration of music, culture, and creativity.

What began as a pioneering platform for jazz in South Africa has grown into a landmark event on the international festival calendar, welcoming thousands of attendees annually and positioning Cape Town as a leading destination for live music on the continent.

Over the years, the CTIJF has hosted an extraordinary range of artists, from global icons such as Herbie Hancock, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Al Jarreau, and Chaka Khan, to jazz luminaries including Lauryn Hill, Marcus Miller, Wayne Shorter, and Esperanza Spalding.

The festival has also consistently championed African excellence, with performances by legends such as Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Youssou N’Dour, Richard Bona, and Femi Kuti, alongside South African icons including Jonathan Butler, Thandiswa Mazwai, Lira, Simphiwe Dana, Jimmy Dludlu, Judith Sephuma, and Black Coffee.

Beyond the stellar performances, the festival fortified its legacy with year-long events that nurture emerging talent through its masterclasses and workshops, fostering collaboration and creating a powerful platform for cultural exchange.

Festival organisers, partners, sponsors, and key stakeholders gathered at Youngblood-Africa Gallery in Cape Town to not only reflect on the legacy of the CTIJF but also to pay tribute to the late jazz icon Ibrahim (https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-06-25-ctijf-to-honour-jazz-legend-abdullah-ibrahim-at-memorial-concert-in-cape-town/).

Philanthropist and businessman Dr Iqbal Survé shared touching stories of not only how he met Ibrahim and his fondness for lengthy conversations, but also how Ibrahim insisted on performing on only one brand of piano, and how he had to transport a piano from Somerset West all the way to his home.

Survé said that when the family took over running the festival in 2006, it was a call from Ibrahim that encouraged them to assume control.

He added that the 2027 edition would also pay tribute (https://iol.co.za/capeargus/news/2026-06-25-ctijf-signals-major-announcement-ahead-of-2027-edition/) to the icon, whose final public performance took place at this year's festival.

“As a family, we have a very deep commitment to the festival. The festival must always be run commercially, but it's not about the money. The festival is about the legacy of our communities, about the musicians. And I think, to a large extent, it's important that we dedicate 2027 to Abdullah Ibrahim.

“The 2027 music festival should be dedicated to him. I think Abdullah's voice is gonna live on, his music is going to live on far beyond all of us. Some of us may not even be here, but his voice continues. His music was just incredible.

“The CTIJF is really owned by the people of Cape Town. It's not a corporation that owns it; it's not the family that owns it. We are simply the custodians of what is a homegrown festival. We honour all of those musicians who have come from our country and who have made the festival amazing,” Survé said.

He said that despite the Covid-19 pandemic interrupting the music development programmes, the schools' programmes have now started them back up again.

“We decided we were going to use our resources for that, but I want to make a big announcement tonight, which my son must forgive me because he doesn't know… I want to say to you, we're committing another R100 million for the next three years,” Survé announced.

The money will go towards the entire music ecosystem to help young musicians, the city, jazz, and to help the CTIJF continue to bring the very best people.

Co-director Georgia Jones said the 2027 festival represented “a vibrant rebirth of Africa's Grandest Gathering”, blending its rich jazz lineage with a bold new vision designed to inspire younger audiences.

The festival will evolve to include two flagship weekends, three community concerts, four national shows as part of a CTIJF roadshow, five panel discussions, 10 intimate performances, 10 master classes, CTIJF icons, and the CTIJF Jazz Orchestra.

“Rather than announcing the standard weekend dates and fixed formats or venues, we are setting the stage for a month of true cultural connection and impact. Imagine a month-long festival, a journey anchored by spectacular headline performances.

“A new format shifting towards total inclusivity. Music brought to daylight, accessible for families, and spreading the magic throughout Cape Town and its surroundings. So, we leave you with this invitation. Join us in making March 2027 the month of the Mother City,” Jones said.

THE POST  (https://thepost.co.za/)