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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

Audiences can expect a set that moves between Lordkez’s earlier, more experimental work and her newer, R&B-driven material.

Lordkez brings R&B-rooted sound to Cape Town International Jazz Festival debut

Blending R&B, soul and jazz, Lordkez arrives at CTIJF with a clearer sense of identity and a growing reputation as a compelling live performer.

Dwson will be performing at the Cape Town International Jazz festival this weekend for the first time. Image: Supplied.

Dwson prepares for debut set at Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Dwson’s upcoming appearance at the major music festival in his hometown places his journey from local clubs to global stages into sharp, full-circle focus

As two major jazz festivals converge in the Western Cape, what seems like competition may reveal a deeper story of collaboration, resilience and creative possibility

Jazz in Sync: Why Festival “Competition” Could Be South Africa’s Greatest Collaboration

As two major jazz festivals converge in the Western Cape, what seems like competition may reveal a deeper story of collaboration, resilience and creative possibility

On stage: Dr Sibusiso Mashiloane will be performing tracks from ISIGQI — Live at the bird’s eye. Photo: Siya Meyiwa

Diary: Sibusiso Mashiloane on tour; Poetry Africa Festival; Ultimate Braai Festival

Your essential dose of art and culture

Wheel fun: Whether you’re a petrolhead or just love a good vibe, the Auto Fest promises to be a day of ente

Diary: Auto festival, Live jazz, Contemporary dance

Your essential dose of art and culture