A journey through time: the rich history of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Twenty two festivals down the line, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) remains one of the biggest and most popular jazz festivals in the world.
However, the event, a drawcard to the city for local and international artists and jazz lovers, has greatly evolved from its humble beginnings.
The inaugural festival, originally named the North Sea Jazz Festival Cape Town, first took place in 2000 as a collaboration with the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands.
It attracted about 6,000 attendees to the Goodhope Centre.
In 2005, the festival changed its name to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival
and its venue to Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Fast forward to today, the festival has grown into “Africa’s Grandest Gathering”, blending local talent with global stars and drawing jazz enthusiasts from around the world and attracting both local and international visitors annually.
Throughout its history, CTIJF has become a significant cultural event showcasing the evolution of jazz while providing a platform for both established artists and emerging talent.
As the years progressed, the CTIJF broadened its horizons. Every year - to ensure that jazz is enjoyed by all - before the main event, an ever-popular free open-air concert with selected performers is held at the Greenmarket Square. By 2015, the festival’s line-up reflected the rich tapestry of global jazz, drawing artists from across Europe, the Americas and Africa to create a wide mix of performances.
High-profile acts such as Lauryn Hill, Dan Brubeck, James Ingram, Dave Sanchez, Dave Koz, Earth, Wind and Fire, Abigail Kubheka, Hugh Masekela, Thandiswa Mazwai, Zoë Modiga and Jimmy Dludlu, have graced its stage, while the festival has actively pursued its mission to bridge African music with the global audience.
CTIJF has also positioned itself as a vital cultural hub, creating a space for conversations and interactions beyond the music.
Everyone always waits in anticipation for the line-up of artists and this year’s one promises to have something for everyone plus some exciting collaborations.