Latest news with #CapeTownInternationalJazzfestival
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
Ari Lennox's 'soft girl era' in Clifton, Cape Town ahead of her debut CTIJF performance
Ari Lennox on Clifton fourth beach in Cape Town ahead of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025. She will be performing on stage tonight. A force of nature in the global scene, US-born R&B singer-songwriter sensation Ari Lennox, will make her highly anticipated debut at the Cape Town International Jazz festival's finale tonight... but not before she had some downtime on Clifton fourth beach earlier this week. In a stunning soft pink bikini, with the classic Clifton beach homes in the background, Lennox posed on the white sands as the crystal blue ocean shimmers closeby as her song Soft Girl Era - released this year - plays. She posted it on her Instagram account yesterday simply with the hashtag #softgirlera with her song playing in the background. The photo comes fresh on the news that Lennox has officially parted ways with Dreamville Records months after blasting the label on social media.
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Feel it, it is here - Cape Town International Jazz Festival hits the city
Music fans jazzed it up at the Cape Town International Jazz festival free concert. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers The wait is finally over! The anticipation that has gripped jazz enthusiasts and festival-goers alike is set to come to fruition this weekend, with the much-anticipated Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF). Hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the festival is ready to light up the city with an impressive roster of talent that promises unforgettable performances and exceptional experiences. This year's festival promises to be bigger, bolder, and more electrifying than ever, capping a countdown that has built phenomenal excitement across music lovers and festival-goers alike. Capetonians and jazz enthusiasts came out in their droves to enjoy the CTIJF free concert. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers Fans can look forward to an impressive line-up featuring 33 artists, including 10 international sensations, performing on four stages over the two nights. The festival's stages will come alive with captivating performances from luminaries including the multi-talented Black Coffee who joins forces with acclaimed jazz pianist Nduduzo Makhathini in a special orchestral collaboration, renowned vocalist Thandiswa Mazwai, jazz trumpeter Masego, and South African soul sensation Lira, among many others. As part of Africa's Grandest Gathering, the festival not only showcases remarkable performances but also elevates the hospitality experience to new heights. Attendees can indulge in exclusive offerings crafted specifically to enhance comfort and lavishness. Beyond mere amenities, the festival provides a perfect platform for corporate networking and social interactions - an essential highlight for business leaders seeking to entertain special clients in a vibrant atmosphere. A standout area at this year's festival is the Rosies stage, designed to offer an intimate acoustic experience that will resonate deeply with true jazz aficionados. Fancy Galada entertains at the much-anticipated Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) Free Concert yesterday. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers This unique venue strips performance back to its purest form, fostering a close connection between artists and audiences. "Rosies has become a space of reverence - for the artists, for the audience, and for the music itself," said Lindsay Rhoda, talent manager of the festival. Key performances on this stage will feature incredible acts such as Plurism, Linda Sikhakhane, Nomfundo Xaluva, and the Kyle Shepherd Trio - all promising to deliver a sound experience unparalleled in their acoustic brilliance. Festival-goers can immerse themselves in the essence of jazz for just R30 per show at Rosies - an opportunity to witness artistry in its unfiltered form. Each performance here is not merely a concert but a celebration of the genre that has transcended time and boundaries. The festival enriches its offerings further with free music masterclasses slated for today and tomorrow from 9am to 1:35pm, hosted at the CTICC. Industry giants, including Bombay Lights and British jazz-funk legends Incognito, will share their musical journeys and philosophies, turning these sessions into experiential learning opportunities for aspiring musicians and enthusiasts. "These masterclasses aren't just lessons - they represent CTIJF's commitment to education, access, and excellence," said Craig Parks, the curator of these sessions. Tickets are still available at and more information can be accessed through or by following @officialcapetownjazzfest on social media for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes moments. Cape Argus
