Cape Town International Jazz Festival's 'Jazz Rising' sells out, setting the tone for 2026 edition

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), in partnership with Grand Africa Café and Beach, marked a major early milestone on its 2026 calendar with the sold-out success of Jazz Rising, held on January 30, in Cape Town. Demand for the event was immediate, with tickets selling out within minutes of its announcement. A clear signal of the anticipation surrounding this year’s festival.

Positioned as a refined curtain-raiser ahead of the main CTIJF weekend on March 27 and 28, 2026, Jazz Rising offered audiences a glimpse into the caliber of artistry and curation that has become synonymous with the festival. The evening featured a diverse and compelling line-up, including performances from Fundi, Chadleigh Gowar, Francesca Biancoli and Kujenga, each bringing their own sonic perspective to the stage.

In line with CTIJF’s evolving vision, the event also highlighted Cape Town’s growing DJ culture. Sets from Clint L and Daddy’s House bridged jazz with contemporary nightlife energy. 

The event drew an array of VIP guests and industry partners, earning widespread praise for its atmosphere and attention to detail. Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, was among those in attendance and later shared his enthusiasm on social media, noting that the festival’s pre-events were “lighting up the city” ahead of the main weekend.

Brand partner Vodacom echoed this sentiment, with a representative describing the night as “a really special evening — thoughtfully curated, warm, and such a pleasure to be part of.”

Visual art played a key role in shaping the evening’s immersive experience. Multidisciplinary artist Michael Beckurts transformed Grand Africa Café and Beach by projecting his drawing process live onto the venue’s walls in real time during performances. Illustrator Martinus van Tee added another interactive element, creating humorous caricatures of guests throughout the night. “It was such a joy to sketch in an environment buzzing with creativity,” he said. “Having such great live music always creates a unique energy while I’m drawing. I couldn’t help but feel the music flowing into my drawings. The crowd were all up for a laugh — it was a beautiful night.”

Community upliftment and accessibility remained central to CTIJF’s mission. As part of its ongoing commitment to empowering small businesses, the festival partnered with Black Liquid (Pty) Ltd, which provided a mobile wellness spa at Jazz Rising. Speaking on behalf of the company, Thenjiswa Khowa praised CTIJF’s inclusive approach. “By associating your well-established and respected brand with a small business like ours, you demonstrated trust, empowerment and a genuine commitment to community upliftment,” she said.

Official CTIJF merchandise was also available on the night and can currently be purchased via Loot.

With momentum steadily building towards the full festival weekend, Jazz Rising has set a high bar for the musical excellence, cultural depth and world-class hospitality that define the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.