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The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is trading its familiar weekend set for something far more ambitious. Come 2027, Africa’s Grandest Gathering will stretch across the entire month of March, transforming Cape Town into one giant stage.
A bold new direction
The announcement was made at an exclusive launch event last week at Youngblood-Africa in Bree Street. Attended by sponsors, partners and media, the festival organisers revealed a bold new direction.
Instead of packing everything into a few whirlwind days, the CTIJF is taking its rhythm to the streets, neighbourhoods and cultural spaces across the Mother City.
The evening struck a heartfelt note with a tribute to the late jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim, whose influence on South African music continues to resonate globally.
Not forgetting the undeniable mark he’s left on the international jazz scene, the 2027 iteration will pay homage to the icon. Ibrahim’s final public performance took place at this year’s event.
On Monday (29 June), the Artscape hosted a special evening of remembrance, celebrating Ibrahim’s life, legacy, and his extraordinary musical journey. Through performances of some of his most beloved compositions, audiences reflected on his profound contribution to the global artistic landscape.
From humble beginnings
Since launching in 2000, the CTIJF has grown into one of the continent’s premier cultural events.
Beyond attracting global stars and thousands of visitors, it’s built a reputation for nurturing local talent through workshops, masterclasses and industry programmes.
Its roll call reads like a jazz hall of fame with a South African twist: Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Herbie Hancock, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lira, Black Coffee and Thandiswa Mazwai have all graced its stages.
“We have worked hard to capture all of that in the next chapter of the CTIJF. We have paid our tributes, and we will continue to do so,” said Rayhaan Survé, chairman of the Survé Family Office.
Now the festival is widening the spotlight.
More accessible
The 2027 edition will activate venues across Cape Town and beyond, with more locations still to be announced.
Alongside headline performances, expect educational programmes, community projects, cultural experiences and industry events designed to make the festival more accessible and more deeply woven into the city’s fabric.
Festival co-director Georgia Jones called the expanded format “the Month of the Mother City,” saying the aim is to bring every corner of Cape Town to life while boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and celebrating African excellence on a global stage.
Co-Director Carolyn Savage added that the larger footprint also creates fresh opportunities for brands and long-standing partners to engage with audiences in meaningful ways.
For more info, visit the CTIJF website
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