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It was a jazzy weekend in the Mother City as the 21st Cape Town International Jazz Festival made its grand return following a four-year hiatus.
Thousands of jazz enthusiasts flocked to the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 May to witness their favourite local and international stars in action.
Known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, festivities started on Thursday 2 May with a free concert at the Greenmarket Square.
Performers for the two nights included some of the country’s iconic artists like Judith Sephuma, Billy Monama, Ami Faku, Radio Sechaba, Mervyn Africa, Mörda and Mi Casa among others.
International acts saw Matt Bianco, Moonchild, Francesca Biancoli, the Yussef Dayes Experience and many others gracing the Kippies, Moses Molelekwa, Rosies and Manenberg stages.
espAfrika, the events management and production company that organised the event, said in a press statement: “The programming was outstanding this year as reflected in the diverse audience from across the country and beyond our borders, who experienced this year’s festival, some for the first time and for others, a reconnection with the music and fellow festival lovers. There is no doubt the CTIJF is back, and it means business.”
JP Smith, the Mayco member for safety and security, said in a press statement: “The festival’s absence over the last four years has left a void in Cape Town’s annual events calendar and has been missed by thousands of jazz enthusiasts who make the pilgrimage to the Mother City.
Local jazz band Kujenga explained that they were thrilled to make their debut at the festival.
Band member, Zwide Ndwandwe said: “It feels like a dream come true. It’s been a wonderful time to feel like we have got to a place where we have earned ourselves a slot on the biggest festival in Africa. We are really happy.”
Tunde Baiyewu, from British pop duo Lighthouse Family, explained that it was his debut performance at a jazz festival.
“We were meant to perform a few years ago but Covid-19 shut everything down. The cycle has come round again and here we are. We are excited.”
The chilly weather could not dampen the festive spirit of Claremont resident, Hunadi Molabe who explained that she has been attending the festival since varsity days and was happy about its return.
Cape Town residents, Tahirih Michot and Karrima Nortje explained that they were elated to be back and “enjoyed the vibes”.
