South African singer songwriter Jimmy Nevis performs on the Manenberg stage during the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Picture: Armand Hough / Independent Media
Saturday night at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) 2026 belonged to Jimmy Nevis.
Taking over the Manenberg stage, the Athlone-born pop sensation reminded everyone in the packed crowd why Cape Town wears its pride so boldly when it comes to one of its own.
A performance, a homecoming anthem, a conversation with family, and an unapologetically authentic tribute to the spirit of the city.
The night began with the nostalgic sparkle of "Elephant Shoes", a track that sent a wave of warmth through the crowd. Nevis’s voice, so effortlessly distinct, carried the weight of familiarity yet felt as fresh as ever. For a moment, it felt like we were back in his early beginnings, just a little more seasoned.
Nevis took us from comfort into the depths of something gritty and raw with his reimagined rendition of Man Down.
The night was already hitting its stride when Nevis decided to pull the rug out from under us with "PREY". Performing the track live for the first time, the track was a seismic shift, a statement.
Dedicated to "women who never made it home" and those who "don't feel safe in their own bodies", PREY is a protest alternative-pop song meant to stand in solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. Manenberg Stage transformed into advocacy and awareness.
Discover how the Cape Town International Jazz Festival transcends mere entertainment, serving as a vital instrument for healing and unity in a divided society.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
With its haunting lyrics and atmospheric alternative-pop arrangement, the song captivated the audience in a way that felt unmissable.
And as he stood there, bathed in soft stage lights and surrounded by thousands of supporters, it became clear Capetonians don’t play about their own. You could hear it in every cheer, every lyric shouted back at him.
In a custom-tailored, purple-cropped blazer paired with fluid linen pants, topped off with his signature hat and dark shades, Nevis exuded effortless cool.
The crowd, too, showed up for their hometown star. Jazz lovers, fans, families and local celebrities turned the Manenberg stage into a true celebration.
Minister of Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille enjoying Jimmy Nevis's set at the CTIJF.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Media
In the front row, Minister Patricia de Lille could be seen vibing to every track, proving that Nevis's music surges far beyond the streets of Athlone to echo through South Africa’s corridors of power.
The performance was deeply felt. Amid the emotionally charged singles and hit tracks like 7764, the stories he told were laced with pride, resilience, and a connection only someone from Cape Town could convey. Every note, every word, every harmony felt like an acknowledgement of the people and places that shaped him.