Array Of Stars, As Cape Town Jazz Festival Clocks Sixteen

From a humble beginning, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) has become Africa’s grandest music gathering, hosting guests and artistes from different parts of the globe. This year, the jazz feast will be celebrating 16 years of jazzing Cape Town, with notable artistes on the bill. The festival holds on March 27 and 28.

Joining the line up of previously announced artistes for the anniversary gig are Al Jarreau (USA); Andrea Motis and Joan Chamarro (Spain); Cannibal Ox (USA); Dee Dee Bridgewater and Irvin Mayfield with The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (USA); Donald (South Africa); Gavin Minter Septet (South Africa); Heathfield High School Jazz Band (South Africa); Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi (South Africa/Zimbabwe). Jason Miles presents To Grover With Love, ft Gerald Veasley with Marion Meadows and Elan Trotman (USA); Jitsenic (South Africa); Mike Del Ferro ft Tony Lakatos (Netherlands/South Africa); Mike Perry’s Tribute To Winston Mankunku (South Africa); Mr Cheeks (USA); Naima McLean (South Africa); Prophets Of Da City (South Africa); Ringo Madlingozi (South Africa); Pacific Express (South Africa); The City (South Africa); Thundercat (USA); Victor Masondo and Friends; A Journey Through Music Celebrating our Rich Heritage and Legacy, ft Thembi Mtshali (South Africa) and Yvonne Chaka Chaka.

Each year, the CTIJF grows in strength and popularity. This is underlined by the record sell-out of its initial weekend passes released in November last year, and the fact that there are very limited day passes, private hospitality and individual hospitality packages available.

Enjoying the excitement and the unique learning experience of being exposed to a world -class event will be some 200, Grade 11 and 12 students. They will once again participate in the respected training and development workshops and programmes that are the lifeblood of the festival, as much as the artists who perform here.

Commenting on the growth of Africa’s largest multi-stage music festival and its contribution to the progression of the entertainment economy, Minister of Arts & Culture, Nkosinathi Mthethwa said, “we have been associated with the Cape Town International Jazz Festival since its inception and once again, we are proud to be the leading sponsor and supporter of what has come to be known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering.

“The festival has grown by leaps and bounds to become an important flag bearer for the role and contribution of the performing arts, especially jazz music, in tourism, nation building and, above all, economic development. Over the years, the festival has attracted a growing audience from all corners of the country and the world. Significantly, it has created a platform for indigenous artists to showcase their outstanding talent alongside their international counterparts and to continue to nourish the soul of our people.”

Festival Director and co-Founder of the CTIJF, Billy Domingo noted that, “the Cape Town International Jazz Festival has come a long way in 16 years. Moving with the times, we have evolved from a pure jazz event to being a premier lifestyle festival. Without enjoying what we do, we could not continue to provide an exemplary entertainment experience. The fact that we do still enjoy being in this business, is evidenced by the record selling out of tickets and witnessing first hand, the fun had by those attending – whether for the first time or as a regular.”

He continued: “Taking account of where we have come from, where we are and acknowledging the incredible team and partners behind the scenes, who make sure the show goes on, we thought we would mix it up a little with a line-up that is a slightly ‘sweeter offering’. We have a little something for everyone – jazz legends, those that are up and coming, musical storytellers, and for the young at heart, some new sounds, some high energy and some serious stamina, which will be needed to keep up with the on stage musical wizardry”.

Overall though, the CTIJF remains true to its founders’ desire, to create a platform where young talent can rub shoulders with seasoned artists, and together they provide the backdrop to musical entertainment that brings people of all ages, race and cultures together, in the appreciation of music and a good night out while building the foundation for tomorrow.

The official sponsors for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2015 are the Ministry of Arts and Culture, the host city, the City of Cape Town and Independent Media, and other partners and suppliers.
who include Brandhouse, the Western Cape Government and South African Tourism.