Jabulile Majola to make a powerful debut at the 23rd Cape Town International Jazz Festival

“Being part of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival feels like stepping into a living archive of stories,” said Jabulile Majola, his voice calm but confident. 

“It is a space where people come together and share life with one another.”

On March 27, that sense of shared life will unfold at the 23rd annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), where Majola will take to the Moses Molelekwa stage for his debut performance at the event.

The festival, set for March 27 and 28, has long been regarded as one of the continent’s leading music gatherings. Each year it draws an audience eager for connection through sound, memory and collaboration.

For Majola, this invitation marks both a personal milestone and a moment of reflection. 

Born in Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal, and now based in Cape Town, Majola has carved a path as a singer-songwriter and storyteller whose music is often described as Afro-folk. His sound is defined by raw vocals and acoustic arrangements that leave space for intimacy.

His stage name, Jabulile, carries deep personal meaning. It is a tribute to his biological mother, a reminder of heritage and grounding in every performance.

“This year will be my first time ever experiencing the Cape Town International Jazz Festival,” he said. “I have always admired what they do from afar and the types of musicians that they have booked in the past. They bring in world-class acts.”

He added, “I am excited to play my project ‘Isitifiketi' and to experience the whole festival as both an artist and a listener.”

“Isitifiketi” has become central to his journey. The project marked a turning point in his career, not only for its release but for the way it was received.

“Releasing ‘Isitifiketi’ and seeing how people responded to it was a milestone for me,” he said. “It caused me to believe in what I am doing even more.”

The national roadshow that followed remains one of his proudest achievements.

“Taking the music to the people and meeting them wherever they are with song and hope is something I am passionate about. The roadshow was a big moment for me.”

Majola’s relationship with music began early.

“From about the age of six, I have been in love with music, storytelling and the meaning of things,” he recalled. “As I grew up, I kept training my hand at writing, listening and performing.”

That commitment to craft and reflection is evident in his measured approach to performance. Asked what audiences can expect from his set, he answered simply, “Sincerity. That is all I will say.”

That sincerity is also tied to balance, something he has had to cultivate over time. The journey from carrying his mother’s name as an artistic identity to standing on major stages has required self-awareness and grounding. Performing at this year’s festival represents a convergence of those elements.

“It means a lot to me,” he said. “The festival feels like a collection of different pieces of history and present experiences. To add my story to that collection is an honour.”

Beyond the stage lights, Majola values what happens between songs and beyond performances. “I love hearing people’s stories,” he said.

“People love to share who they are, and the skill of listening changes how much they will open up. Festivals create that space. You meet someone who heard a lyric and saw themselves in it. That exchange matters.”

The 23rd edition of the festival promises a wide musical spectrum. International headliners include Jacob Collier, Yellowjackets, Yussef Dayes and Jasmine Myra, each known for distinctive approaches to jazz and contemporary sound.

Local legends and rising stars such as Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Nduduzo Makhathini, Manana, Rorisang Sechele and lordkez add depth to a programme that celebrates both heritage and innovation.

For Majola, sharing a line-up with such artists underscores the scale of the moment. “When you look at the names that have graced this festival before, you realise you are stepping into something bigger than yourself,” he said. “It pushes you to show up fully.”

As the March dates approach, preparation continues in quiet rehearsal rooms rather than grand statements. “I am focusing on the essence of the songs,” he said. “I want every note to carry intention.”

For an artist who measures success by connection rather than spectacle, the Moses Molelekwa stage offers a fitting platform.

Tickets for the festival are available through Ticketmaster South Africa. More information can be found on the official festival website at www.capetownjazzfest.com.

When Majola steps onto that stage, he will not only perform songs from “Isitifiketi”. He will carry the memory of Greytown, the tribute to his mother, the lessons learned on the road, and the stories shared by listeners along the way.

“Music has always been about meaning for me,” he said. “If someone leaves feeling seen or understood, then the performance has done its work.”