Latest news with #CTIJF2025
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Work already under way for next year's Jazz Fest in March
South African rebel singer Thandiswa Mazwai on the Kippies stage during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers The rhythm may have faded and the lights dimmed on this past weekend's Cape Town International Jazz Festival, but the energy is still pulsing through the city. With over 24 000 people in attendance, the Mother City was alive with music, connection, and culture - an unforgettable experience that left fans, artists, and industry leaders breathless. And just as the city starts to return to its usual tempo, espAfrika, the powerhouse organisers behind the festival, have dropped another beat: next year's festival will take place on March 27 and 28, 2026. 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 Diarise it now because if this year was anything to go by, next year promises to be even more spectacular. Pulling off a festival of this magnitude was no small feat. It took grit, grace, and sheer determination - and the exceptional team of women behind the scenes delivered with brilliance. 'This year's festival was a labour of love, a celebration of resilience and a return to what we know Cape Town does best - host the world with style, sound and soul,' said Shaakirah Adams, head of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. 'The response has been overwhelming - from sold-out shows to the electric social media buzz. We are proud, we are grateful, and we are already planning how to make next year even more unforgettable. 'The response has been nothing short of phenomenal: glowing reviews, wall-to-wall crowds, and social feeds exploding with praise. But none of it would be possible without the unwavering support of our partners, sponsors, and most importantly, the vision and backing of the Survé family. As owners of the festival, the Survé family - and in particular, Rayhaan Survé, who played a critical oversight role - have been deeply involved in both planning and execution." Their commitment to the arts is not just symbolic; it's part of a far-reaching philanthropic mission that stretches across the African continent. Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini closed their show strongly, elevating the spirit of CTIJF to new heights. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers 'People always asked me what the jazz festival is really about. For the first time, I don't have to tell them. On Friday, the collaboration between Nduduzo Makhatini and Black Coffee showcased jazz as the foundation that invited all genres of music onto the stage." "On Saturday, Thandiswa Mazwai led a spiritual awakening of 7 000 people, some of whom have never experienced South African culture. This past weekend captured a transition of the festival to become so much more than an event but a reconnection to cultural identity across generations, genres and demographics. " "The CTIJF truly captures all that we hope to achieve as a country,' said Rayhaan speaking on behalf of the Survé family.
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Survé Family at the heart of Africa's Grandest Gathering - next festival set for March 2026
Thousands of people from across the globe attended the CTIJF 2025 where top local and international artists took to the stage. The rhythm may have faded and the lights dimmed on this past weekend's Cape Town International Jazz Festival, but the energy is still pulsing through the city. With over 24,000 people in attendance, the Mother City was alive with music, connection, and culture - an unforgettable experience that left fans, artists, and industry leaders breathless. And just as the city starts to return to its usual tempo, espAfrika, the powerhouse organisers behind the festival, have dropped another beat: next year's festival will take place on March 27 and 28, 2026. Diarise it now because if this year was anything to go by, next year promises to be even more off a festival of this magnitude was no small feat. It took grit, grace, and sheer determination - and the exceptional team of women behind the scenes delivered with brilliance. 'This year's festival was a labour of love, a celebration of resilience and a return to what we know Cape Town does best - host the world with style, sound and soul,' said Shaakirah Adams, the head of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. 'The response has been overwhelming - from sold-out shows to the electric social media buzz. We are proud, we are grateful, and we are already planning how to make next year even more unforgettable. 'The response has been nothing short of phenomenal: glowing reviews, wall-to-wall crowds, and social feeds exploding with praise. But none of it would be possible without the unwavering support of our partners, sponsors, and most importantly, the vision and backing of the Survé owners of the festival, the Survé family - and in particular, Rayhaan Survé, who played a critical oversight role - have been deeply involved in both planning and execution. Their commitment to the arts is not just symbolic; it's part of a far-reaching philanthropic mission that stretches across the African continent.
IOL News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
LOOK: Global sensation Ari Lennox' debut at CTIJF 2025 leaves the crowds breathless
A night to remember with Ari Lennox and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Armand Hough A force of nature in the global scene, US-born R&B singer-songwriter sensation Ari Lennox, made her highly anticipated debut at the Cape Town International Jazz festival's finale night last night to the applause of a packed venue. It was intimacy amplified, as she took the audience on a journey with the highs and lows of her velvety voice. Earlier in the week, Lennox enjoyed all the touristy attraction of Cape Town, soaking up the sun on Clifton Fourth Beach and visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium. Her performance, on the Kippies stage, comes fresh on the news that Lennox has officially parted ways with Dreamville Records months after blasting the label on social media. According to reports, Lennox's departure has been handled quietly and she will now be releasing music solely through Interscope Records. Interscope are the sole label credited on Lennox's latest single 'Soft Girl Era'. The crowd was left wanting more: The sensational Ari Lennox wowed audiences at the CTIJF 2025's final night. Image: Fuad Esack Ari Lennox in action. Image: Fuad Esack. If her performance last night was a precursor to what fans can expect from her next chapter, hold on tight: it is nothing short of sensational. Lennox on stage is pure, unfiltered magic - a blend of soulful power, effortless charm and intoxicating authenticity. Bringing her signature blend of sultry vocals, soulful melodies and raw storytelling to the festival stage, Lennox had the crowds singing and dancing along. She was on the Kippies stage with the venue full to capacity. Screams of adoration echoed through the venue as she sang all the songs the world knows and have come to love her for. Ari Lennox moved the crowd at the CTIJF in her performance on the final night. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers And the crowds at the CTIJF 2025 final night went mad about Ari Lennox. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, her rich, honeyed vocals wrapped around the audience like a warm embrace - they were now in Lennox's world and it wasn't one they wanted to leave anytime soon. Lennox describes her own voice as "vulnerable but soulful; imperfect but pretty", and it is all this and much more. Her sassy vibe and soulful - interspersed with a bit of humour - stage presence left audiences at the CTIJF wanting more. Lennox has said in multiple interviews that she is inspired by 90s and 2000s R&B singers such as Mariah Carey, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Whitney Houston, Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill, Mary J Blige and Toni Braxton, among many others. Ari Lennox. Ari Lennox's soulful presence on stage at the final night of the CTIJF moved the crowd. Sensational Ari Lennox. Ari Lennox on Kippies stage. Ari Lennox. In 2019, Lennox swiftly rose to fame with the release of her highly respected debut album titled Shea Butter Baby. Globally known for her contributions to RNB, Lennox has collaborated with Hip-Hop heavyweights such as Spillage Village, reggae musician Skip Marley, and featured on unforgettable songs with 6lack and Kiana Ledé. The year 2022 marked another milestone when Lennox released her next project. Titled Age/Sex/Location, the body of work features 12 songs with appearances from Lucky Daye, Chlöe, and Summer Walker. With a total run time of 41 minutes and 28 seconds, the album is filled with experiences that only Lennox knows how to share. This year, she released her latest song, Soft Girl Era, which marks the beginning of a new chapter for the RNB singer and songwriter. Freshly split from her former label, Dreamville, Ari is ready to take the next step in her career and from what we saw last night, the world has been waiting for this move of the strong, vital RnB singer. Enjoying Clifton Fourth Beach, Ari Lennox. Image: Instagram
IOL News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Outpouring of love for Lira as she takes to CTIJF stage: 'Giving up was never on my plate'
The crowds cried with Lira in an emotional and truly outstanding performance at the CTIJF 2025. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers Everyone was singing along and had smiles, from ear to ear, giving award-winning songstress Lira an outpouring of love as she performed at Cape Town International Jazz Festival's Kippies stage tonight, Saturday, April 26. It was the first time in a number of years that Lira performed in Cape Town, and the crowd made sure to make it an unforgettable one for the singer. The South African afro-soul singer marked a significant chapter in her remarkable journey following a stroke that sidelined her from performing for several years. Her stroke, which she suffered in 2022, left her unable to read, write or speak. Although she has been performing, her show in Cape Town has been her first major festival. In full action: Lira. Image: Bheki Radebe Lira was overcome with emotion, and shook her head a little in disbelief at the love she received on Saturday night. At one point, she let one tear fall down her right eye, but made sure to regain composure wanting to deliver a wonderful performance. She did just that, as the crowd was ready to welcome her with open arms. "Giving up was never on my plate. It didn't even occur to me. Now I'm standing on this stage, looking across all of you." "I struggled to talk, and I didn't focus on singing… In December I noticed I could sing. "In January of 2024, I decided to practice my song and singing came very easily to me, and I got my life was a difficult journey but it was worth it,' Lira said. 'I'm living in the moment… The stroke was a blessing to me. I learned to appreciate what life has to offer.' Lira delivered an energetic and joyous performance filled with Lira's timeless classics such as "Feel Good," "Hamba", "Believer," and "Something Inside So Strong". Lira moved the crowd to tears and to screams of joy at this years CTIJF. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers Thulisa Dyantyi, 31, and her friend, Thandolwakhe Skeyi, were dancing and singing along throughout her set. They said it was amazing to see her back on stage. 'I don't know the last time I've seen Lira performing like that, but it was so liberating,' Dyanti said. 'She is such a good performer, and it just took me back to the days where I was still in high school, and Lira was just one of my favourite playlists.' Skeyi said they want to see more like it from her. 'We love it and we want to see more of it. We loved her show, it was an amazing performance. The enigmatic Lira in action at the TIJF Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers 'Prior to her performance, she spoke to IOL Lifestyle and said: "I thought I'd have to give up singing, but I've been singing since last May, and being in front of the audience, I feel loved and supported. I really missed being on stage, and the audience had missed me…" "It's a great way to spend time sharing our talent."Lira, who faced immense challenges after suffering her stroke, has become an inspirational speaker, sharing her story with others facing similar difficulties. "Even if I had no words, unable to speak, I'd use gestures and act out what I was trying to say. After a year and a half, I managed to speak enough so I could tell my story. I've been working as an inspirational speaker for under two years, and it's been so good for me.
IOL News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
CTIJF 2025 grand finale: the jazz stars set to sizzle as the city plans to swing all night, tonight
Scenes from last night's Cape Town International Jazz Festival events at the CTICC. Tonight is expected to be just as vibrant, if not more so. Image: Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers It has been a Cape Town International Jazz Festival to remember with still one night left to savour and take in local and global sensations at the CTICC tonight. The festival this year has had quite a few coups, and many of them will be on stage tonight, in the last night of yet another successful jazz festival which has proven why it is known as Africa's Grandest Gathering. Here is a sample of some of the acts on the stages tonight. KIPPIES LIRA at 18.45 A voice that transcends time, a presence that commands the stage, Lira returns to #CTIJF2025. Image: Supplied A voice that resonates with grace, strength, and pure soul, Lira is a true icon of Afro-soul and jazz. Effortlessly blending rich, velvety vocals with uplifting melodies, she crafts performances that are both intimate and transcendent. Her music carries wisdom, passion, and a timeless elegance - an experience that stays with you long after the final note. Thandiswa Mazwai at 22.15 Thandiswa Mazwai stands ready to cast her spell through music, holding the promise of heartfelt connections and a celebration of jazz that is, as she states, both revolutionary and soulful ay the CTIJF tonight. Image: File image A cultural icon and one of South Africa's most powerful voices, Mazwai embodies the soul of a nation. Seamlessly weaving Xhosa heritage with jazz, soul, and Afro-futurism, her performances are nothing short of transformative—charged with emotion, storytelling, and an undeniable stage presence. Expect a performance that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. ROSIES Igor Butman Quartet at 23.45 Russian jazz saxophonist Igor Butman at the Cape Town Waterfront ahead of his performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival tonight. Image: Picture:Ian Landsberg. Renowned Russian saxophonist and bandleader Igor Butman stands as a towering figure in the jazz world. Together with his quartet, which includes Oleg Akkuratov (piano), Nikolay Zatolochny (double bass) and Eduard Zizak (drums), Butman is set for an electrifying performance tonight. As the leader of the Moscow Jazz Orchestra, Butman has collaborated with international jazz luminaries, bringing Russian jazz to global prominence. His performances are celebrated for their technical brilliance and emotive depth, offering audiences a masterclass in contemporary jazz artistry. Bill Clinton, a well-known saxophone enthusiast and former US president, once praised Butman as "one of the greatest saxophonists in the world". Bombay Lights at 18:00 Bombay Lights promises to enchant audiences with their unique fusion of soul and Indian classical roots blended seamlessly with contemporary jazz. Image: Lutho Pasiya A sonic journey through soul, Indian classical roots, jazz, and modern textures, Bombay Lights creates music that is both hypnotic and deeply emotive. Their sound pulses with dreamy melodies, intricate rhythms, and an unmistakable cinematic feel, offering a performance that is as immersive as it is unforgettable. MOLELEKWA Malcolm Jiyane at 20.30pm Celebrated trombonist and bandleader Malcolm Jiyane will perform at CTIJF 2025. Image: Andile Buka Trombonist, composer, and visionary, Jiyane crafts music that is raw, deeply spiritual and emotionally charged. Drawing from South Africa's rich jazz heritage while shaping something entirely his own, his performances are a profound expression of history, identity, and pure creative fire. Benjamin Jeptha ft. Kujenga at 00.30 Representing the contemporary soul of jazz, Benjamin Jephta is a rising star known for his innovative sound that blends African rhythms with modern jazz and hip hop. Image: Hymie Sokhupa
