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Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse performs on the Kippies stage during the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Photo: Armand Hough

Forty years of fire: Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse ignites Cape Town Jazz Fest

Witnessing his fans dancing to ‘Burn Out’ proved to Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse his enduring power. The legend talks about his energy-filled performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, his spiritual foundation and the evolution of South African jazz.

Powerful presence: Fatoumata Diawara performing at the CTIJF 2026. Photo: Armand Hough

Fatoumata Diawara channels ancestry and activism in Cape Town

Blending Malian heritage with high-energy pop, Fatoumata Diawara used the CTIJF stage to honour her roots and confront FGM, proving that heritage and modern activism are inseparable

British multi-instrumentalist and seven-time Grammy winner Jacob Collier performs on the Kippies stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in Cape Town. Picture / Henk Kruger / Independent Media

Reinventing the Cape Town International Jazz Festival without losing the jazz

Co-director Georgia Jones says the festival’s future depends on championing African artists, drawing younger audiences and making space for genres like amapiano without losing its core identity

Power duo: Coco and J’Something host the festival that blends
culinary artistry with soul culture. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide: Ben Rodrigues releases Hazel Eyes, Coco & J’Something’s ‘Lovers Rock’ returns this Valentine’s Day and catch The Rise by Kgethang Konese this Easter

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Revellers: A sea of festival goers at the Kaytranada Milk + Cookies Joburg show. Photo: Supplied by Milk + Cookies

Gig Guide: Scorpion Kings to perform at Piano People SA debut, Made In Jozi NYE Festival with Shekinah & DJ Kent, WAV Festival redefining R&B and Soul, Gunna & Majid Jordan back in SA for Milk + Cookies Festival

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From left: Founders Kevin Reese, Chase Freeman and Gregory K Burton Jr. Photo: Supplied by Milk + Cookies.

More Than A Festival: Inside the Milk + Cookies Music Week Mission

Milk + Cookies Music Week returns to South Africa, thus cementing its status as more than a festival through its commitment to local talent and economic support.

Fun: YouthX Day at Constitution Hill promises a stacked line-up. Photo: Supplied

Diary: YouthX Festival, Routes of Sound at Spier Wine Farm, , Grave Injustice Exhibition

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On 5 January, festival-goers were sent into a dance frenzy as Kaytranada took to the stage for the Cape Town show. (Photo supplied by Milk and Cookies)

Kaytranada headlines first Milk and Cookies Festival in South Africa

The DJ-producer had Cape Town in a dance frenzy and on Saturday it’s Johannesburg’s turn