Jazz filled the air as thousands of jazz enthusiasts moved from one stage to the next, spoilt for choice by an impressive line-up of both local and international artists over two nights at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF).
The festival, held on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 March, featured more than 30 artists and offered something for both younger audiences and soulful old souls alike.
The build up to the 23rd edition of the festival saw various master classes by artists including the popular free jazz concert held on Greenmarket Square on Wednesday 25 March.
READ ALSO: Abdullah Ibrahim returns to Cape Town International Jazz Festival stage
On Friday, the Rosies Stage auditorium filled up quickly as spectators seized the rare opportunity to see 91-year-old legendary pianist Abdullah Ibrahim perform.
Wheeled onto the stage in a wheelchair, Ibrahim took the audience on a moving journey, evoking nostalgia and deep emotion as he played some of his beloved and timeless compositions.
At the Moses Molelekwa stage audience were captivated by the soulful sounds of Rorisang Sechele, a South African vocalist and songwriter from Pretoria.
Later that evening Jacob Collier, an English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist lit up the stage with his innovative approach to music, blending jazz, pop, classical, and more.
Sipho “Hotsix” Mabuse took the audience straight back in time with his timeless hits, getting the crowd on their feet as they sang and danced along.
Other performers included modern jazz powerhouse Yussef Dayes who appeared with The Yussef Dayes Experience, Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara and the CTIJF Jazz Orchestra among other.
Local artists who made their debuts at the festival included Keziah Meyers, whose stage name is Lordkez and Gugulethu star Sive Marasha, popularly knows as Luukhanyo who appeared with his band called The Hiirollers.
Speaking to People’s Post, Luukhanyo said: “This was exciting not only for me but for everyone that has been involved in my journey. This is a big opportunity. Three years ago, this was one of our goals… Having the luxury to be on the stage is nothing short of a blessing.”
Percussionist, singer, and performer Sheila E returned to the festival stage after a few years.
Georgia Jones, director of the festival, described the event as a festival for the people.
“This year we wanted to create a new experience sonically. We looked at nostalgia bringing in the old and the new. And creating a platform for artists that are yet to jump to other international festivals.”
