Cape Town International Jazz Festival New Dates, Bold New Vision for Africa's Grandest Music Festival
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
The highly anticipated Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) returns to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on March 27 and 28, 2026 — but this time, the festival marks more than just a return. It signals the start of an exciting new chapter in the life of Africa's most celebrated music event.
Under the leadership of festival head, Shaakirah Adams, the festival is undergoing a powerful transformation — evolving into a year-long platform that celebrates music, fosters talent, and drives lasting social and economic impact.
Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini closed their 2025 show strongly, elevating the spirit of CTIJF to new heights.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
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'The Cape Town International Jazz Festival must now become a movement — one that not only showcases great music but supports the people and communities behind it. It must be inclusive, African, developmental, and deeply impactful,' said Adams.
This new direction sees the CTIJF becoming a platform that extends far beyond its flagship weekend to embrace 12 months of programming, community engagement, and educational outreach. The March 2026 event will now serve as the culmination of a full music festival season, rather than the starting point.
The enigmatic Lira in action at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
Throughout the year, the CTIJF will present a host of initiatives, including: The Youth Jazz Series (final name to be confirmed), giving young artists opportunities to perform and develop professionally.
Masterclasses and workshops by local and international music legends.
Support for local musicians, with increased performance opportunities and exposure.
A digital marketplace designed to help African musicians and agents connect with global festivals, promoters, and industry networks.
Strategic partnerships with universities and music schools to create educational pipelines into the industry.
Collaborations with sister festivals around the world, creating exchange opportunities and joint programming.
Masego performing on the Kippies stage during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Get your tickets to the 2026 Cape Town International Jazz Festival here.
A newly appointed Advisory Panel made up of renowned musicians, producers, cultural experts, and academics from both South Africa and abroad to help steer this transformation is also in the pipeline, ensuring that the CTIJF remains artistically bold, socially relevant, and truly African in spirit.
This evolution builds on the long-standing philanthropic work of festival patron, Dr Iqbal Survé and the Survé Family foundations, who for over two decades have supported music education and youth development through initiatives like Edujazz, the Sekunjalo Music Awards, the Sekunjalo Music Academy, and bursaries for emerging musicians.
Sekunjalo Deputy Chairman Rayhaan Survé at the 2025 Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Independent Media
'Our support for this transformation is a natural extension of our long-standing commitment to building the creative economy in South Africa,' said Dr Survé. 'The festival is not just about celebration — it's about creating jobs, inspiring youth, building the local music industry, and connecting Africa to the world.'
The refreshed Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) promises to be more dynamic, more inclusive, and a powerful reflection of South Africa's rich musical tapestry — while also celebrating the African continent's growing influence on the global stage.
Dr. Iqbal Survé's 17 Year Ownership and R100 million Commitment to CTIJF . The first CTIJF was held in 2005 and is recognized as the fourth-largest jazz festival in the world and the largest jazz festival on the African continent.
Image: File picture: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
To build anticipation, the festival has launched a limited early bird ticket offer: enjoy 25% off 2025 ticket prices, available exclusively through Ticketmaster.
Mark your calendars: March 27 and 28, 2026 — and stay tuned as the journey toward Africa's most exciting music revolution unfolds.
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