Cape Town Jazz Festival 2026 Artist Lineup - As @ 17 March 2026
The next wave of artists for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2026 has officially been announced, confirming another exceptional edition of Africa’s Grandest Gathering. Taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on 27 and 28 March 2026, the festival once again brings together international jazz innovators and leading South African artists for a world-class music experience in the heart of Cape Town.
1. Jacob Collier – UK
Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Jacob Collier headlines the 2026 festival with his groundbreaking fusion of jazz, soul, pop and classical influences. His electrifying live performances and innovative musical vision make him one of the most exciting artists of his generation.
2. Scorpion Kings – South Africa
South African Amapiano pioneers Scorpion Kings, the acclaimed duo of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, bring a vibrant, modern African energy to the festival. Their global appeal and chart-topping success make them one of the biggest commercial draws in the lineup.
3. Abdullah Ibrahim – South Africa (NEW)
A true legend of South African jazz, Abdullah Ibrahim returns to the Cape Town stage with his deeply spiritual and historically rooted compositions. His influence spans decades, and his performances carry a profound sense of place, heritage and musical storytelling.
4. Yellowjackets – USA
One of the most influential jazz fusion bands in the world, Yellowjackets return to Cape Town for the first time in over two decades. Their dynamic sound continues to shape contemporary jazz and attract audiences across generations.
5. The Yussef Dayes Experience – UK
A leading voice in the global jazz resurgence, Yussef Dayes blends jazz, funk, hip-hop and electronic influences. His powerful live performances and rhythmic intensity attract both traditional jazz audiences and younger listeners.
6. Fatoumata Diawara – Mali (NEW)
Internationally acclaimed Malian singer, songwriter and guitarist Fatoumata Diawara brings a vibrant Afro-fusion sound that blends traditional West African music with jazz, funk and pop influences. Her dynamic performances are both politically conscious and musically captivating.
7. Nubiyan Twist – UK (NEW)
UK collective Nubiyan Twist fuse jazz, Afrobeat, hip-hop and global rhythms into an energetic and danceable sound. Known for their infectious grooves and strong live presence, they represent the cutting edge of contemporary London jazz.
8. Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse – South Africa
A South African music icon, Hotstix Mabuse brings decades of musical influence and a loyal fan base. His blend of jazz, pop and Afro-soul makes him one of the most recognisable and celebrated performers in the country.
9. Nduduzo Makhathini and An Ongoing Rehearsal: Our-Ke(s)tra – South Africa
Internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini presents a spiritually rooted jazz performance featuring special guests and his collaborative project Our-Ke(s)tra. His work blends tradition, innovation and deeply expressive improvisation.
10. Varijashree Venugopal – India
Indian vocalist and flautist Varijashree Venugopal is celebrated for her remarkable vocal range and cross-cultural musical explorations. Her performances blend Carnatic classical traditions with jazz and world music.
11. Tutu Puoane – South Africa
Award-winning South African vocalist Tutu Puoane has built an impressive international career, particularly in Europe. Her sophisticated interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions blend African influences with contemporary jazz.
12. Salomão Soares & Vanessa Moreno – Brazil (NEW)
Brazilian duo Salomão Soares and Vanessa Moreno bring an intimate and expressive performance rooted in Brazilian jazz and MPB. Their interplay of piano and voice creates a refined, emotionally rich musical experience.
13. Manana – South Africa
Award-winning artist Manana bridges jazz, R&B and alternative soul, offering a genre-crossing performance rooted in authenticity and emotional depth.
14. lordkez – South Africa
Award-winning singer-songwriter lordkez blends R&B, soul and alternative influences with honest lyrical expression. Her modern, genre-fluid sound resonates strongly with younger audiences.
15. Jasmine Myra – UK
Saxophonist and composer Jasmine Myra brings a melodic, contemporary jazz sound that has earned international recognition. Her modern style appeals to both traditional and emerging jazz audiences.
16. Sio – South Africa
Singer, songwriter and producer Sio is known for her soulful voice and emotionally powerful performances. She blends jazz, electronic and Afro-soul influences into a distinctive contemporary sound.
17. Seba Kaapstad – South Africa (NEW)
Genre-blending collective Seba Kaapstad merge neo-soul, jazz and electronic influences into a globally inspired sound. With roots in Cape Town and Berlin, their music reflects a unique cross-cultural identity.
18. BCUC (Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness) – South Africa
BCUC are a powerful collective known for high-energy performances that blend indigenous traditions, Afro-psychedelia and soul into a raw and communal musical experience.
19. Carlo Mombelli – South Africa
Renowned bassist and composer Carlo Mombelli is known for his emotional depth, improvisational strength and experimental approach to jazz.
20. Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane – South Africa
Jazz pianist and composer Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane is recognised for his deeply rooted contemporary South African jazz sound.
21. Jimmy Nevis – South Africa (NEW)
Popular South African singer-songwriter Jimmy Nevis brings a soulful pop sound with strong crossover appeal. His accessible style adds a broader commercial dimension to the festival lineup.
22. DJ Dwson – South Africa (NEW)
Cape Town-based DJ and producer Dwson blends deep house with jazz and soul influences. His atmospheric sets bring a contemporary electronic edge to the festival experience.
23. Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – South Africa
Representing the next generation of South African jazz expression, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela bring a fresh, forward-thinking energy to the lineup.
24. Camissa Knights – South Africa
Cape Town-based ensemble Camissa Knights draw on the city’s rich jazz heritage while embracing modern influences.
25. Luukhanyo – South Africa (NEW)
Emerging artist Luukhanyo brings a fresh voice to the South African jazz and soul landscape, combining contemporary production with strong musical roots.
26. Rorisang Sechele – South Africa
Vocalist and composer Rorisang Sechele blends neo-soul and contemporary jazz, adding warmth and depth to the festival.
27. Jabulile Majola – South Africa
An emerging and distinctive voice in the South African jazz scene, Jabulile Majola brings expressive storytelling and modern jazz sensibilities.
28. Giuliette Price – South Africa
Emerging vocalist Giuliette Price represents a new wave of South African jazz talent with a contemporary, soul-influenced sound.
Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Jacob Collier headlines the 2026 festival with his groundbreaking fusion of jazz, soul, pop and classical influences. His electrifying live performances and innovative musical vision make him one of the most exciting artists of his generation.
2. Scorpion Kings – South Africa
South African Amapiano pioneers Scorpion Kings, the acclaimed duo of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, bring a vibrant, modern African energy to the festival. Their global appeal and chart-topping success make them one of the biggest commercial draws in the lineup.
3. Abdullah Ibrahim – South Africa (NEW)
A true legend of South African jazz, Abdullah Ibrahim returns to the Cape Town stage with his deeply spiritual and historically rooted compositions. His influence spans decades, and his performances carry a profound sense of place, heritage and musical storytelling.
4. Yellowjackets – USA
One of the most influential jazz fusion bands in the world, Yellowjackets return to Cape Town for the first time in over two decades. Their dynamic sound continues to shape contemporary jazz and attract audiences across generations.
5. The Yussef Dayes Experience – UK
A leading voice in the global jazz resurgence, Yussef Dayes blends jazz, funk, hip-hop and electronic influences. His powerful live performances and rhythmic intensity attract both traditional jazz audiences and younger listeners.
6. Fatoumata Diawara – Mali (NEW)
Internationally acclaimed Malian singer, songwriter and guitarist Fatoumata Diawara brings a vibrant Afro-fusion sound that blends traditional West African music with jazz, funk and pop influences. Her dynamic performances are both politically conscious and musically captivating.
7. Nubiyan Twist – UK (NEW)
UK collective Nubiyan Twist fuse jazz, Afrobeat, hip-hop and global rhythms into an energetic and danceable sound. Known for their infectious grooves and strong live presence, they represent the cutting edge of contemporary London jazz.
8. Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse – South Africa
A South African music icon, Hotstix Mabuse brings decades of musical influence and a loyal fan base. His blend of jazz, pop and Afro-soul makes him one of the most recognisable and celebrated performers in the country.
9. Nduduzo Makhathini and An Ongoing Rehearsal: Our-Ke(s)tra – South Africa
Internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini presents a spiritually rooted jazz performance featuring special guests and his collaborative project Our-Ke(s)tra. His work blends tradition, innovation and deeply expressive improvisation.
10. Varijashree Venugopal – India
Indian vocalist and flautist Varijashree Venugopal is celebrated for her remarkable vocal range and cross-cultural musical explorations. Her performances blend Carnatic classical traditions with jazz and world music.
11. Tutu Puoane – South Africa
Award-winning South African vocalist Tutu Puoane has built an impressive international career, particularly in Europe. Her sophisticated interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions blend African influences with contemporary jazz.
12. Salomão Soares & Vanessa Moreno – Brazil (NEW)
Brazilian duo Salomão Soares and Vanessa Moreno bring an intimate and expressive performance rooted in Brazilian jazz and MPB. Their interplay of piano and voice creates a refined, emotionally rich musical experience.
13. Manana – South Africa
Award-winning artist Manana bridges jazz, R&B and alternative soul, offering a genre-crossing performance rooted in authenticity and emotional depth.
14. lordkez – South Africa
Award-winning singer-songwriter lordkez blends R&B, soul and alternative influences with honest lyrical expression. Her modern, genre-fluid sound resonates strongly with younger audiences.
15. Jasmine Myra – UK
Saxophonist and composer Jasmine Myra brings a melodic, contemporary jazz sound that has earned international recognition. Her modern style appeals to both traditional and emerging jazz audiences.
16. Sio – South Africa
Singer, songwriter and producer Sio is known for her soulful voice and emotionally powerful performances. She blends jazz, electronic and Afro-soul influences into a distinctive contemporary sound.
17. Seba Kaapstad – South Africa (NEW)
Genre-blending collective Seba Kaapstad merge neo-soul, jazz and electronic influences into a globally inspired sound. With roots in Cape Town and Berlin, their music reflects a unique cross-cultural identity.
18. BCUC (Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness) – South Africa
BCUC are a powerful collective known for high-energy performances that blend indigenous traditions, Afro-psychedelia and soul into a raw and communal musical experience.
19. Carlo Mombelli – South Africa
Renowned bassist and composer Carlo Mombelli is known for his emotional depth, improvisational strength and experimental approach to jazz.
20. Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane – South Africa
Jazz pianist and composer Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane is recognised for his deeply rooted contemporary South African jazz sound.
21. Jimmy Nevis – South Africa (NEW)
Popular South African singer-songwriter Jimmy Nevis brings a soulful pop sound with strong crossover appeal. His accessible style adds a broader commercial dimension to the festival lineup.
22. DJ Dwson – South Africa (NEW)
Cape Town-based DJ and producer Dwson blends deep house with jazz and soul influences. His atmospheric sets bring a contemporary electronic edge to the festival experience.
23. Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – South Africa
Representing the next generation of South African jazz expression, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela bring a fresh, forward-thinking energy to the lineup.
24. Camissa Knights – South Africa
Cape Town-based ensemble Camissa Knights draw on the city’s rich jazz heritage while embracing modern influences.
25. Luukhanyo – South Africa (NEW)
Emerging artist Luukhanyo brings a fresh voice to the South African jazz and soul landscape, combining contemporary production with strong musical roots.
26. Rorisang Sechele – South Africa
Vocalist and composer Rorisang Sechele blends neo-soul and contemporary jazz, adding warmth and depth to the festival.
27. Jabulile Majola – South Africa
An emerging and distinctive voice in the South African jazz scene, Jabulile Majola brings expressive storytelling and modern jazz sensibilities.
28. Giuliette Price – South Africa
Emerging vocalist Giuliette Price represents a new wave of South African jazz talent with a contemporary, soul-influenced sound.
Plan Your Jazz Festival Trip with My Cape Town Stay
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is more than just two nights of music. It is a complete destination experience, combining live performances, Cape Town’s vibrant food scene, cultural attractions and late-summer weather.
My Cape Town Stay offers carefully curated Cape Town Jazz Festival travel packages designed to make your festival experience seamless and enjoyable.
Our Jazz Festival Packages Include:
My Cape Town Stay offers carefully curated Cape Town Jazz Festival travel packages designed to make your festival experience seamless and enjoyable.
Our Jazz Festival Packages Include:
- Jazz Festival tickets
- Accommodation close to the jazz festival venue
- Airport transfers with an English-speaking driver
- Optional sightseeing and dining experiences
- Local support and on-the-ground knowledge
2026 Programme
Book Early to Avoid Disappointment
With the 2026 artist lineup now confirmed and international interest already building, availability for hotels and festival tickets will become increasingly limited.
To secure your place at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2026, explore our tailored travel packages today:
👉 Visit: www.mycapetownstay.com/cape-town-jazz-festival-travel-packages.html
Experience the music, the city and the festival atmosphere — all expertly arranged, so you can focus on what matters most: the jazz.
With the 2026 artist lineup now confirmed and international interest already building, availability for hotels and festival tickets will become increasingly limited.
To secure your place at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2026, explore our tailored travel packages today:
👉 Visit: www.mycapetownstay.com/cape-town-jazz-festival-travel-packages.html
Experience the music, the city and the festival atmosphere — all expertly arranged, so you can focus on what matters most: the jazz.
Contact us for more details
Tel: +27 (0) 21 794 1619
WhatsApp (only): +27 72 890 9039
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +27 (0) 21 794 1619
WhatsApp (only): +27 72 890 9039
Email: [email protected]