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Cape Town’s most renowned musical contribution is evolving… while retaining its essence.

Three months remaining until theCape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF)returns on March 27 and 28, 2026, event organizers have introduced a striking new visual look and an initial list of performers that reflects assurance, aspiration, and a definitive statement: jazz is evolving.

The updated logo and design go beyond mere appearance. They signify a period of renewal, as described by the festival, in response to evolving audiences, new musical styles, and a shifting global landscape.

Behind the scenes, CTIJF has engaged in extensive discussions with musicians, cultural experts, and artists through a series of open “Jazz Conversations,” exploring challenging and stimulating questions about the future of jazz and the audience it needs to connect with next.

Now, those discussions are turning into audio.

The initial artist announcement conveys a clear vision: global, local, and undeniably future-oriented. Headlining the lineup is Jacob Collier, the seven-time Grammy Award winner whose boundary-pushing creations have established himone of the most significant musical artists of his generation.

His presence at CTIJF is expected to offer more than just a performance; it will be an encounter with jazz as a dynamic, developing form of expression.

Other returning to Cape Town are jazz fusion legends Yellowjackets, making their comeback after almost 20 years. Having spent nearly five decades in the industry, their participation connects the past with the present, recognizing jazz’s heritage while embracing its continuous spirit of creativity.

Essentially, the lineup positions South African voices in the core.

Renowned musician Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse contributes years of impact and guidance to the performance, while celebrated pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini comes back with An Ongoing Rehearsal: Our-Ke(s)tra, a spiritually inspired, profoundly African take on jazz.

The next generation is equally visible. Rorisang Sechele combines jazz, soul, and gospel with genuine emotion; Jabulile Majola presents poetic closeness and subtlety; and Manana signifies a fresh, self-driven movement in South African R&B, rooted and internationally conscious.

Incorporating a modern flair, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela, listed among Spotify Africa’s Top 5 South African artists in 2025, highlight the festival’s evolving musical range and the increasing global influence of Afro-house and blended African music styles.

This initial wave accomplishes more than just revealing names. It presents a festival at ease with its history, invigorated by discussion, and not hesitant to change.

Tickets for the CTIJF 2026 event are now available through Ticketmaster, offering individual day tickets and exclusive weekend passes.

Organizers vow to reveal even more artists in the coming weeks. For now, the message is evident. A fresh image. New discussions.

And the initial wave of sound. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is approaching, and it’s expressing itself with a confident new tone. Africa’s Largest Celebration makes a return.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to:

• Purchase tickets in advance through Ticketmaster.
• Check out the recently updated CTIJF website –www.capetownjazzfest.comfor the most recent festival updates and artist announcements*
• Track CTIJF on social platforms –@capetowninternationaljazzfest– where more artists will be announced in the coming weeks.
• Interact with unique material, insider perspectives, and event news through CTIJF’s official channels.