The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is back, and it is set to ignite stages and connect music lovers. Changing its normal March slot, this year’s festival is set to happen on May 3 and 4, 2024, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) to deliver a musical experience that has been sorely missed.
There will be four stages at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and some festivalgoers (Festinos) for Africa’s premier jazz celebration. Formerly known as Kippies, Moses Molelekwa, and Rosies, these stages now bear the illustrious names of Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald, respectively. Add a new outside stage, Topaz, and the scene is set for a sparkling showcase of both seasoned maestros and rising stars from across the globe.
As anticipation mounts, Lindsay Rhoda, Head of Talent at CTIJF, hints at an electrifying fusion of heritage and innovation that is sure to appeal to local and international audiences. She says: “We have worked hard over the past few months to compile a programme that pays homage to the heritage of our jazz roots, but also speaks to the exciting future of music that is embracing all jazz-related genres as anthems for a new tomorrow.”
Helping to get the long-awaited party started are Matt Bianco (UK), Kokoroko (UK), The Yussef Dayes Experience (UK), Nduduzo Makhathini Trio featuring Omagugu (SA), Mandisi Dyantyis (SA), Radio Sechaba (SA), Billy Monama (SA), Zoë Modiga (SA), Carlo Mombelli & The Prisoners of Strange (SA), Benjamin Jephta (SA), and Kujenga (SA).
There is something else on offer at this year’s CTIJF, injecting fresh energy into the festival’s atmosphere – the all-new Flavour Junction, which is located on the ground floor, outside, alongside the Topaz stage. Here, there will be food trucks, a selection of bars, and tantalizing treats, ensuring that Festinos stay fueled all night long. For those seeking a more refined dining experience, a selection of upscale options awaits just beyond the main stage. This year too, there will be the Howler cashless system.
Festival organisers, espAfrika, have also revealed a revamped VIP hospitality offering that epitomises the spirit of camaraderie. Introducing Jazz Ensemble, a luxurious lounge boasting a sumptuous buffet and complimentary beverages, serving as the ideal gathering point for socializing and networking. Meanwhile, Jazz Café offers an alternative experience for Festinos wanting a little more than a general admission ticket, which grants access to complimentary catering and a dedicated cash bar (the bar will also use the Howler system).
And that’s not all—back by popular demand are the enlightening artist masterclasses, which will also be held at the CTICC on Friday, May 3rd, and Saturday, May 4th, offering enthusiasts a rare opportunity to glean insights from some of the industry’s finest music minds.
Ticket Prices No under 10s and no pass outs allowed:
A general admission festival ticket costs R950 per night per person, which gives access to the Sapphire and Topaz stages.
Surcharge tickets are in operation for Emerald (Rosies), and Ruby (Moses Molelekwa) at R30 per person per show.
Please note that this surcharge is to manage capacity in the venues, which can only seat 1500 per show. Festival goers are required to purchase a general festival ticket above to then purchase surcharged show tickets.
General admission tickets will go on sale through Ticketmaster on March 11, 2024.
Surcharge tickets for Ruby and Emerald will be released later in March.