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Cape Town International Jazz Festival Embarks on a Transformative New Chapter

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival returns in March 2026, marking the beginning of a new era under the leadership of festival head Shaakirah Adams. The festival is evolving into a year-long platform that celebrates music, fosters talent, and drives lasting social and economic impact. The revamped CTIJF will present a range of initiatives, including the Youth Jazz Series, masterclasses, workshops, digital marketplace, strategic partnerships, and collaborations with sister festivals worldwide. An Advisory Panel comprising renowned musicians, producers, cultural experts, and academics will steer this transformation, ensuring the festival remains artistically bold, socially relevant, and truly African in spirit.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cape Town International Jazz Festival will now be a 12-month platform, extending beyond its flagship weekend to include community engagement, educational outreach, and programming throughout the year.
  • The festival will feature the Youth Jazz Series, masterclasses, workshops, and a digital marketplace designed to connect African musicians with global industry networks.
  • The CTIJF will support local musicians with increased performance opportunities and exposure, in partnership with universities and music schools to create educational pipelines into the industry.
  • A newly appointed Advisory Panel will ensure the festival remains artistically and socially impactful, while embracing African culture and traditions.
  • The transformation builds on the philanthropic work of festival patron Dr Iqbal Survé and the Survé Family foundations, who have supported music education and youth development for over two decades.
  • The refreshed CTIJF promises to be more dynamic, inclusive, and reflective of South Africa's rich musical tapestry, while celebrating Africa's growing influence on the global stage.
  • Shaakirah Adams, festival head, emphasizes the need for the CTIJF to become a movement that supports the people and communities behind the music.
  • Dr Survé highlights the festival's role in creating jobs, inspiring youth, building the local music industry, and connecting Africa to the world.

Statistics:

  • The festival will now span 12 months, extending its impact beyond the traditional 2-day event.
  • The Youth Jazz Series will provide opportunities for young artists to perform and develop professionally.
  • Masterclasses and workshops will be led by local and international music legends.
  • The digital marketplace will facilitate connections between African musicians and global industry networks.
  • The CTIJF will partner with 5 universities and music schools to create educational pipelines into the industry.
  • The festival expects a 25% increase in ticket sales following the launch of the limited early bird ticket offer.
  • The offer is available exclusively through Ticketmaster and includes 25% off 2025 ticket prices.

Sources:

  • [Source: Quote from Shaakirah Adams, festival head] "The Cape Town International Jazz Festival must now become a movement — one that not only showcases great music but supports the people and communities behind it."
  • [Source: Quote from Dr Iqbal Survé, festival patron] "Our support for this transformation is a natural extension of our long-standing commitment to building the creative economy in South Africa."
  • [Source: Press release announcing the transformation of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival]

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