The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) 2025 returns on April 25-26 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) with the theme “Legacy Meets Tomorrow.” The festival brings together jazz legends and rising stars, honoring its heritage while embracing the future.
What began at the Good Hope Centre with 6,000 attendees has grown into sub-Saharan Africa’s largest jazz festival, attracting 35,000 visitors annually. With four stages featuring jazz, funk, Afro-pop, R&B, and fusion, the festival draws a global audience. Past performers include Herbie Hancock, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Angie Stone, Floeyry, Erykah Badu and the 2025 lineup promises to be just as impressive.
A free concert at Greenmarket Square on April 24 from 4 PM to 10 PM will showcase emerging talent, reinforcing CTIJF’s role in supporting new artists.
This year’s festival also highlights its journey through a video campaign featuring acclaimed saxophonist Don Vino Prins and award-winning pianist Kyle Shepherd, both deeply connected to CTIJF’s evolution.
Cape Town’s vibrant atmosphere and the festival’s stellar lineup ensure an unforgettable experience for attendees. Mayor Gordon Hill-Lewis proudly declares the event will be held in “The Best City in the World,” as named by Time Out.
General admission tickets grant access to the Kippies, Manenberg, and Moses Molelekwa stages, while Rosies stage requires an additional R30 per show. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.co.za.
With its rich legacy and fresh energy, CTIJF 2025 is set to be a landmark event in jazz.
