Jazz was on the menu this weekend as the 22nd edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival kicked off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Thousands of music enthusiasts came out to get a glimpse of their favourite artists performing live.
And those who could not make it to the festival had the opportunity to get a taste of some of the entertainment on Thursday 24 April at the Jazz Festival free concert held on Greenmarket Square.
Over 5 000 people turned out Thursday to catch the likes of local songtress Andrea Fortuin, kwaito music group TKZee and British jazz band Incognito, among others.
Ricardo Mackenzie, provincial minister for cultural affairs and sport, told People’s Post the festival unites people.
“It has been exciting, the gees was amazing and I loved it. The theme of this year’s festival was “Legacy Meets Tomorrow”. For me this is a legacy show in Cape Town. For the two nights I came with my daughters. Hopefully one day their children can come. And that is what this is about.”
He said the event allows local artists to showcase their talent to the world.
“If you are on stages such as these you get spotted. It is not just for locals but international audiences too.”
Spead across the Kippies, Manenberg, Molelekwa and Rosies stages, patrons were treated to performances by about 30 local and international artists.
These included Jamaican-American musician and singer Masego, local band The Ploemies, trumpeter Muneeb Hermans, Jazz vocalist and composer Nomfundo Xaluva, multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Jiyane and American singer, songwriter Ari Lennox among others.
People’s Post spoke to a few of the festivalgoers.
Mica Traut from Retreat said she grew up with jazz, so she did not want to miss the festival.
Sheila Hlanjwa said she attends annually and enjoys the music. Making her debut at the festival, South African singing sensation Lira had the crowd on their feet during her 45-minute set.
An emotional Lira said this was her first performance in Cape Town since she suffered a stroke three years ago.
“Believer” hitmaker Lira made her debut at the festival. (Photo: Kaylynne Bantom) Credit: Kaylynne Bantom 
Riethaa Abrahams, Taahir Adams and Laaiqah Ghadien, from Athlone, had a blast. (Photo: Kaylynne Bantom Credit: Kaylynne 
American songtress Ari Lennox was the headline act on Saturday. (Photo: Kaylynne Bantom) Credit: Kaylynne Bantom 
Lanielle Hartzenberg, Carmen Prins, Charmaine Slinger-Smith, Danchia Slinger-Smith and Euodia Samson enjoyed the festival. (Photo: Kaylynne Bantom) Credit: Kaylynne Bantom 
Rush and Erica Gutu enjoyed all the performances. (Photo: Kaylynne Bantom). Credit: Kaylynne Bantom
Speaking to the cheering crowd, the Believer hitmaker said her recovery journey was “difficult but worth it.”
“I struggled to talk, and I didn’t focus on signing I was focusing on talking. In December 2023 I was caught up in the music of country. I sang randomly and I noticed I could sing. In January 2024 I decided to practice my songs and singing came very easily. I got my life back when I wasn’t thinking.”
