South African superstars Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse and lordkez had the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) 2026 crowd on their feet as they rocked their stages with vibrant, unforgettable performances.
First up was the legendary musician, producer and multi-instrumentalist Mabuse on the Kippies Stage at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). As one of the pioneers of Afro-pop, Mabuse – renowned for hits like “Burn Out” and “Jive Soweto” – delivered an energetic set that had scores of festivalgoers lining up to watch the iconic artist in action. His signature grooves and magnetic stage presence set a high-energy tone for the evening.
The stage itself seemed to come alive as Mabuse moved effortlessly between instruments.. The audience responded in kind, clapping, singing and dancing along to every beat. It was a masterclass in live performance, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair, as Mabuse reminded everyone why he remains a towering figure in South African music. The lights, the pulse of the drum, and the sea of fans moving in unison created a festival moment that felt both intimate and monumental.
Amid the cheers was an intergenerational crowd – from longtime fans who grew up listening to Mabuse’s hits to younger festivalgoers experiencing his music live for the first time. Each song bridged decades of South African music history, a living testament to the enduring power of Afro-pop. Moments like these capture the essence of CTIJF: a space where music, memory and celebration intersect.
Meanwhile, “Aweh” hitmaker lordkez (real name Keziah Zoë Meyers) took to the Manenberg Stage later on Friday night. The award-winning singer, songwriter and multi-disciplinary artist brought the vibes with a performance that celebrated her unique sound – a dynamic blend of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and alternative music. She had the crowd singing, dancing, and cheering along, cementing her reputation as one of South Africa’s most exciting rising stars.
The festival was kicked off earlier with soulful performances from fellow emerging talent Rorisang Sechele, who brought her powerful project, The Seed, to life during her CTIJF debut. Sechele had the audience swooning with a set that seamlessly blended jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and gospel, creating a sound that is both intimate and expansive.
Other artists scheduled to take the stage later on Friday night include Jabulile Majola, Manana, and Jasmine Myra, before UK superstar Jacob Collier closes out night one with a show-stopping performance.
