Cape Town International Jazz Festival: Where Legacy Meets Tomorrow
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival bridges the past and future, celebrating the rich legacy of jazz as a powerful voice for freedom and unity, writes Sekunjalo Deputy Chairman Rayhaan Survé.
Image: Independent Media
Rayhaan Survé
For some, jazz is a rhythm that unlocks joy. For others, it is the sound of resistance, a voice when words fail, a melody infused with pain and hope. For me, jazz is freedom. It is a global language that crosses borders, cultures, and time zones, one that speaks of unity, memory, and possibility.
The legacy of jazz is inseparable from humanity's most defining struggles and triumphs. From its beginnings in New Orleans in the 20th century to its arrival and integration with Marabi in South Africa, jazz has always stood as both witness and participant in history. Viewed by the apartheid regime as subversive, jazz was heavily policed, censored, and pushed underground. Musicians and gatherings were targeted, yet the music endured, in townships and homes, becoming a symbol of unity and resistance.
Lira delivered a powerful and emotional performance on the Kippies stage on the final night of the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Icons like Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Abdullah Ibrahim, Caiphus Semenya, and Letta Mbulu carried the torch of liberation through their music that captured both the pain of oppression and the dream of a free South Africa.
Globally, musicians such as Carlos Santana and Harry Belafonte also stood in solidarity with South Africa, proving that jazz and resistance knew no borders. The movement 'Artists Against Apartheid' united voices against racial injustice from South Africa to around the world including the United Kingdom and USA.
The values that jazz represented through the 1900s: freedom of expression, unity, and creativity, are the very values that I hold dear and why we, as the Survé Family, continue to support The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF).The festival has continued to bring together people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to celebrate Jazz and what it means. It is the music of emotional honesty, of individuality within harmony.
The crowd feeds off the energy brought by Masego, as the multi-instrumentalist moved around the Kippies stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival on Friday evening.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
We have played a key role in keeping jazz alive worldwide, with the festival ranked among the top four jazz festivals globally. Over the years, the festival has grown in scope and influence, attracting talent from overseas while nurturing local voices, and inviting collaborations that transcend genres. But more than its scale, it is the festival's soul that stands out, a soul rooted in inclusivity, heritage, and artistic freedom.
Now in its 22nd edition, the CTIJF, known as Africa's grandest gathering, continues to honour its role as the largest jazz festival in Africa and one of the continent's most important cultural gatherings.
This year's theme, 'Legacy Meets Tomorrow,' celebrated the festival's rich heritage and its evolving future. It showcased both legendary artists, like Masego and the emotional return of Lira to the stage, representing a bridge between the past and future, incorporating both the traditional and modern.
Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini closed their show strongly, elevating the spirit of CTIJF to new heights.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Thousands of people from across the globe attended the CTIJF 2025 where top local and international artists took to the stage.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Part concert, part ritual: Thandiswa Mazwai mesmerises the crowds at the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
The future of jazz is dynamic, diverse, and genre-fluid. While jazz remains the foundation and heart, it invites experimentation and creation with R&B, Soul, House, Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, Spirituals, and more. From the power of Thandiswa Mazwai's voice to groundbreaking collaborations between Nduduzo Makathini and Black Coffee, to the resonance of Bongeziwe Mabandla, the CTIJF speaks to everyone.
The CTIJF reminds us that jazz still does what it has always done best, bringing people together. It creates a space where the past and future sit side by side, listening, learning, and playing in harmony. This is why jazz matters, and why it continues to move generations, even as its sound transforms and evolves.
Life is so good together.
* Rayhaan Survé is the Deputy Chairman of Sekunjalo.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
21 hours ago
- IOL News
Gerda Steyn's love for the Comrades shines through in her latest victory
Gerda Steyn has now won three consecutive Comrades after her latest victory this past Sunday. | Sibonelo Ngcobo Independent Media Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo Independent Media Gerda Steyn is hoping to extend her Comrades Marathon love affair as long as her body allows it, fans of the darling of SA road running – and the Ultimate Human Race in particular – will be delighted to hear. Her love for the Comrades was evident once again as the 'Smiling Assassin' sprinkled her infectious fairy dust all along the route on her way to a third title in a row in Sunday's down run. It was definitely reciprocated at the finish line on the streets outside People's Park in Durban. The chants of "Gerda! Gerda! Gerda!" grew ever louder as the diminutive road running star drew closer to the finish. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The cheers that greeted her when she breasted the tape in the 98th edition of the race were arguably among the loudest on the day, with hundreds of delirious well-wishers banging on the advertising hoardings lining the finish in a celebratory cacophony. Gerda responded by waving at her adoring fans, the ever-present smile lighting up her face despite being in obvious pain. She had to dig deep at the end of the race, but pulled through in typical fashion, carried to victory by the raucous support. 'It was an amazing feeling so close to the finish line,' she told Independent Media, after the race. "You've run for many, many hours and trained for many, many months and then finally to get to the finishing straight knowing that you're going to break the tape, is a moment that's difficult to explain in words." Steyn made her observations as a special guest of detergent brand OMO's Stay Unbeatable campaign. 'This race stands out for me even more above the other Comrades that I've done. Every year it just feels like it gets bigger and more special and it creeps even deeper under my skin.' The 35-year-old Steyn crossed the finish line in 5:51:10, to bag her fourth title, following her maiden victory back in 2019. Russia's Alexandra Morozova, a former winner, finished in second (5:55:56). Fellow South African Tete Dijana won the men's race. With the job done for another year, SA's ultramarathon queen is looking forward to putting her feet up. 'When it comes to my diet, I have to be strict and particular when I'm training and before a race as well. So, I definitely look forward to treating myself a little bit after the race. 'If there's two items that stand out for me, what I'm looking forward to the most, perhaps a glass of red wine and a big ice cream,' she revealed. 'Normally the dust settles after about a week and after that I will definitely be enjoying a nice break both for the body and for the mind. I plan to spend it with friends and family and just relax and get strong for the next challenge.' Steyn revealed she is hoping to run another marathon at the end of the year, while being wary of overextending herself. Gerda Steyn added to her growing Comrades domination on Sunday. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers 'It is always tempting because there's so many amazing races around the country and around the world. So, it's difficult to say no to many races – I love racing – but for me I've seen in the past it works really well if I plan my racing calendar with about three races a year,' she said. 'I'm hoping to run the Soweto Marathon because I've never done that before.' None of the races will ever take the place of the Ultimate Human Race in Gerda's heart, however. 'Comrades, to me, means so much more than a race. It's where I found my passion for running and my passion in life as well.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Young runners make their Comrades Marathon debut
Xander Mcneil and Minkateko Letsoalo will be among the youngest runners taking on the Comrades Marathon Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Media Making their Comrades Marathon debut today are Minkateko Letsoalo and Xander Mcneil. Both aged 20, are the youngest runners starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and making their way to Durban's People's Park. The duo will join over 22 000 runners who are running 89.98 km in the 98th edition of the iconic Ultimate Human Race. The annual marathon attracts runners from various countries. Minkateko Letsoalo is running her first Comrades Marathon today Image: Leon Lestrada Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Letsoalo, from Pretoria, said she wanted to do something big this year and decided to do the Comrades Marathon. "My mum, Pumza Khumalo ran two Comrades years back and I decided to get her to join me again. I have been running since the age of 17, with my mum, just to keep active. "I began training for the Comrades last year. People ask me why I am doing this at such a young age, and I say I rather do this whilst I am young," said Letsoalo. Minkateko Letsoalo and her mum Pumza Khumalo, who are both running the Comrades Marathon today Image: Leon Lestrada Letsoalo's longest run thus far has been the 50 km Tshwane North Ultra, which was her qualifier to the said she enjoys being part of the running community as she gets to meet new people along the way. "The running community is very supportive and has been giving me advice," she said. Letsoalo said she was very excited and nervous. "I am happy that it is a down run. Although I haven't trained along the Comrades route, I have had some practice runs in Pretoria in areas that replicate the route. "I am feeling that adrenaline rush, especially being surrounded by other runners. No matter what happens I will come back next year," she said. Xander Mcneil will make his Comrades Marathon debut today. Image: Leon Lestrada Mcneil, who lives in Stellenbosch, said he always had a love for running. After being diagnosed with a disc herniation or spinal disc herniation, an injury to the intervertebral disc between two vertebrae, he decided there was a lot more to life than slowing down. "With this disease my back is compensated and this has caused sclerosis. After a near death experience in hospital my chiropractor said everyone's got talent and motivation to do something. "My dad ran two Comrades previously and so I decided to give it a try. Running is part of my life. This disease may hinder certain aspects of my life, but it won't stop me from doing what I enjoy," said Mcneil. He said the Comrades Marathon may be a big jump, but it is something he can accomplish. "I am happy that my first Comrades is a down run. I am hoping to finish in sub 10," he said. Meanwhile with all types of accommodation in the host cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, and beyond, expected to be fully booked, Sibusiso Gumbi, the Acting Chief Executive of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, said he was delighted that the race will exceed pre-COVID figures.' 'With all eyes on the race, we are hoping that it will inspire people - whether they watch it on the roadside or on their televisions - to choose KZN for their next holiday or attend one of our many sporting events that are hosted in our province,' said Gumbi. The economic spin-off from the Comrades Marathon topped R600-million last year and it was expected to be even more this year, with race organisers predicting it could reach over R600-million, with a direct spend of R275 308, and at least 1800 jobs created. 'The Comrades Marathon brings more visitors to our region than any other big international sporting event. We have everything a tourist could wish for: beautiful scenery, the beach, the bush, the Berg, diverse attractions, including game reserves and safari experiences, and friendly people.' Hotelier Brett Tungay, board chairman of the regional branch of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa) said: 'Bearing in mind the overall trajectory of the year for KZN, there is a real sense of optimism in tourism circles.' The hospitality industry was expecting positive tourism figures 'driven by the participation of international runners and the influx of domestic visitors from various regions of the country''. He pointed out that the Comrades Marathon follows a bumper May when Durban and KZN hosted crowd-pulling sporting events and Africa's Travel Indaba, which attracted almost 10 000 delegates from around the world. Record turnout The Comrades Marathon Association General Manager, Alain Dalais, said 'With this year's race attracting the largest Down Run field in the history of the race, we're expecting a record turnout of spectators and supporters, so this all points to the 2025 race being a true spectacle". Some 22 677 runners have qualified – 20% of the field are women - and organisers are expecting 'at least' 24 000 to start the race. The previous record for the Down Run was 19 047 runners set in 2018. The Comrades Marathon has attracted 3 063 international runners: 1 282 from the Rest of Africa and 1 781 from countries outside Africa. 'We expect those international athletes to bring around another 3 000 family, loved ones and travelling companions with them; hence some 6 000 international visitors will be coming to the province, Dalais said. Extra time Many runners and their supporters – particularly the international runners and their families – spend extra time in the province after the race, with the international visitors booking game drives and safari visits to wildlife conservation areas, like Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and the Ithala Game Reserve. They also make the most of the great beaches and the warm waters of the KZN coastline, Dalais added. The course is somewhat shorter this year (89km) as it needs to accommodate road construction at the Umlaas Road Interchange, with the route going through some suburbs. There will be 47 refreshment stations along the route and there will be several 'fun, vibey' activation points and spectator zones to support the runners. Another big change is that the start of the race will be divided into two groups – the first setting off at 5.45am and the second at 6am – to promote safety, avoid bottlenecks and to give the runners the opportunity of posting a good time by reducing the time it takes them to get over the start line. Another innovation for 2025 All runners will have 12 hours to complete the race. 'The street finish in Durban is another innovation this year, with one of the biggest bonuses for the runners being that they won't need to climb any stairs after finishing, as has been the case when they have finished inside one of the stadiums,' Dalais said. 'This will also allow the clubs to have their tents and gazebos close to the finish line, creating a great vibe throughout the day.' The race was started in 1921 as a living memorial to South African soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. Known for its challenging course, scenic views and unique traditions, the race will include big names, repeat runners and first timers. Both of last year's men's and women's winners, Piet Wiersma (Netherlands) and Gerda Steyn, will be competing. Other previous winners, Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi and Alexandra Morozova (Russia) will also be competing. 'And there are many others in the elite field that could also challenge for the win,' the Comrades Marathon general manager said. Several celebrities will also be competing, with popular comedian and TV personality Schalk Bezuidenhout running his first Comrades, while well-known rapper and musician Kabelo Mabalane will be aiming for a 13th Comrades medal. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
Rashid Lombard: A cultural icon of South Africa
Liya Williams, granddaughter of jazz impresario and well-known photographer Rashid Lombard, rests her head on his body before his burial according to Muslim rites. Image: Ian Landsberg / Independent Media Family, friends, musicians, and political figures gathered at the Cape Town home of the late jazz organiser, photographer, and activist Rashid Lombard on Thursday to celebrate his remarkable life and enduring legacy. The 74-year-old, whose name became synonymous with South African jazz and cultural resistance, passed away on June 4. His funeral drew mourners from across the country and beyond, including celebrated musicians, community leaders, fellow activists, and ordinary Capetonians who had been touched by his work. Attendees shared stories, music, and laughter in tribute to a man many described as a visionary, a comrade, and a cultural custodian. Shadley Lombard, Lombard's son, said the outpouring of love and support was overwhelming but deeply comforting. 'He was more of a father and mentor to other people than to his children,' Shadley said. 'And we're okay with that, because what he did inspired people, motivated young people. That was his calling, and we fully understand that. When you look at the turnout and the support from across the world, even from the president of South Africa, it speaks volumes.' President Cyril Ramaphosa described Lombard as 'a cultural icon' who helped position South Africa on the global cultural stage. 'Rashid Lombard's fearless depiction of apartheid's endemic inhumanity and violence, and his compassionate focus on the lives of oppressed communities, is a powerful record of our struggle for basic human rights,' said the president in a statement. 'His establishment of the Cape Town Jazz Festival bolstered South Africa's integration into global culture. He did all this with passion and humility that endeared him to everyone he touched.' Father Michael Weeder, a long-time friend, spoke warmly of Lombard's authenticity and passion. 'There was nothing superficial about the way he was present, in person or online,' he said. 'Over time, he became a friend. We had comrades in common. And when we say 'comrade', we don't mean it in the casual way people do today. Back then, a comrade was someone you trusted with your life. We trusted Rashid.' Weeder also recalled Lombard's artistic soul and love of jazz. 'With time, he brought his love for the arts to fruition, bringing jazz to stages across Cape Town, especially the Cape Town International Jazz Festival,' he said. 'He came from a small town. It wasn't about connections, it was about conviction, about communicating from the heart. That's what made him so special.' Among those who benefitted directly from Lombard's vision was entertainer Alistair Izobell, who described the late cultural organiser as one of the most inspiring people he'd ever met. 'His message to us was always the same: dream. Because those dreams can move you beyond your limitations,' said Izobell. 'As I stand and look at Table Mountain today, I know some of the soil has passed. But the gift of his work remains, and I will celebrate that for the rest of my life.' Mujahid George, actor and broadcaster, said he owed his introduction to the world of jazz to Lombard. 'He's the one who introduced me to a legend like George Benson, when he brought him to the Cape Town Jazz Festival,' said George. 'He was a very special person to me, and I wouldn't have missed his farewell for anything. He deserved every ounce of the love we saw today.' Lombard was born in North End, Gqeberha, in 1951 and moved to Cape Town as a young boy. Trained as an architectural draughtsman, he turned to photography in the 1970s, becoming one of South Africa's most respected news and documentary photographers. He documented key moments in the anti-apartheid struggle before turning his attention to cultural activism, particularly jazz. In the early 2000s, he founded the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, an event that would go on to become one of the largest and most respected music gatherings in the southern hemisphere. Through it, he not only brought global stars to local stages but also championed South African musicians and uplifted communities through developmental programmes. Faiez Jacobs, former ANC MP, reflected on Lombard's dual commitment to art and politics. 'He was one of us — an activist, a cultural warrior, and a storyteller,' said Jacobs. 'He documented our Struggle, preserved our joy, and gave future generations access to their heritage. Rashid archived more than 500,000 photographs of our people and donated them to the University of the Western Cape. That's an extraordinary legacy.' Even in his final years, Lombard remained a beloved figure across generational and cultural lines. His ability to connect with people, both on and off stage, left a lasting impression on those who crossed his path. 'Rashid was a man of the people, in every sense of the word,' said Father Weeder. 'I recently saw a video of him dancing, improvising with two women, full of joy. That spontaneity, that love for people in all our diversity, that was at the heart of his life. He was, in his way, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, a friend to all. A true child of God.'
