Free masterclass: Cape Town Jazz Festival teams up with Texx and the City to empower musicians

Cape Town’s jazz scene has always been more than music. Over the years it has become a movement. Now, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) and Texx and the City are giving local musicians the tools to turn their art into a sustainable career.

On 24 January 2026, Soundcast Studios will host a free masterclass led by Tecla Ciolfi, the brains behind Texx and the City. A cultural strategist, curator, and music industry insider, Ciolfi has spent over a decade championing South African and African artists and helping them navigate everything from international showcases to funding opportunities, partnerships, and career sustainability.

Titled “From Funding to Partnerships: How to Thrive as a Jazz Musician”, the session promises practical advice for artists ready to take control of the business side of their craft. Participants will learn how to secure grants, forge strategic collaborations, and position themselves professionally in an industry that’s evolving faster than ever.

“South Africa’s jazz scene is globally respected, but structural hurdles still exist for many artists,” Ciolfi says. “This workshop is designed to give musicians the tools to thrive locally and internationally.”

What to expect:

• Real-world guidance on funding applications and financial sustainability
• Insider insight on building partnerships with brands, festivals, and institutions
• Strategies for professional positioning in the music industry
• Lessons drawn from Tecla’s extensive experience

When & Where:

Date: Saturday, 24 January 2026

Venue: Soundcast Studios

Cost: Free (sign-up essential)

This masterclass is part of a broader effort by the CTIJF and Texx and the City to empower artists, nurture talent, and create a transparent, accessible music ecosystem in South Africa.

Follow @capetowninternationaljazzfest and @texxandthecity for updates and to secure your spot.

There’s no silver bullet for making it as a musician, but access to the right knowledge changes everything. This masterclass offers exactly that. Knowledge that is shared openly, freely, and with the next generation of jazz artists in mind.

IOL