Mark your calendars for the return of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Mark your calendars for March 2023 because the Cape Town International Jazz Festival returns to entertain and continue its 21st-anniversary celebrations that were postponed in 2020.

After a three-year break due to successive Covid-19 lockdowns, festinos (fans of the festival) can look forward to an exciting lineup with three stages hosting more than 21 music performances.

Tickets are now open for performances at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on 17 and 18 March 2023.

The exciting announcement was conveyed by Judith Sephuma, South Africa’s Queen of Afro-jazz who is thrilled to be returning to Cape Town to entertain festival goers.

“The Cape Town International Jazz Festival holds a special place in my heart. I performed at the very first one and am happy to be at this, the 21st event, to share my music with Festinos again. There has been a definite gap in the music festival calendar without the CT Jazz Fest these past couple of years, so I am delighted it is back, and it promises to be amazing – as usual. I hope to see you all there,” she said.

The stages for 2023, are: Rosies, which jazz purists will appreciate for the exceptional audio quality of the acoustics complementing the performers’ sound.

Kippies retains its position in the main Hall on the Ground floor and will be the place to groove to more familiar names, whilst the open-air Downtown stage (formerly Manenberg) will be the place to discover new beats, names, and jams.

Another change the festival announces, is that highly respected music impresario, Billy Domingo, and the Festival Director for many years, has retired from espAfrika, the organisers of CTIJF. In tribute, the programming of the 2023 event will pay homage to Billy’s love of promoting African artists, and the CTIJF’s reputation as a place to discover incredible talent.

Newly appointed CEO of espAfrika, Amit Makan, said the CTIJF has grown to embody the diverse talent and star power of South African artists, whilst also providing a platform for residents to experience international music performers they would not usually be able to see.

“It is music artists, like the sublime Judith Sephuma who has today lent her considerable support to this next event, whom I wish to thank, as they make what we do a pleasure and worthwhile. Without you, there would be no festival for the fans to enjoy, but together, we are a powerful match made for listening and experiential bliss. Thank you, Judith, and to every artist who has ever performed here and to those yet to come.”

In keeping with the Afri-Futurism theme for the 21st anniversary and looking to the digital future, the CTIJF has partnered with Ticketmaster who will provide the ticketing solution, and the festival will also launch a brand-new audience engagement platform (AEP) and Festino experience app.

The app, will go live later this year, and will be a content rich platform from which to keep up to date with what’s happening and coming, navigate the festival on the day, set reminders and event planners, as well as enter a myriad of competitions and spot prizes in recognition of the celebration of life and music that is the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

To reserve your tickets go to Ticketmaster.co.za.

Day Pass R750 per person per day Weekend pass R1200 per person Rosies stage R30 additional cost to ensure seating