Legendary Cape Town pianist Abdullah Ibrahim performs on the Rosies stage during the Cape Town International Jazz Festival on Friday.
Image: Ian Landsberg/ Independent Media
At 91-years-old- legendary jazz musician Abdullah Ibrahim delivered a poignant performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) on Friday night.
Taking to the Rosies Stage at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), this intimate setting underscored the historic nature of his appearance. Rosies is known for acoustic and traditional jazz performances and often features more experiential, solo‑driven sets.
As one of the most anticipated moments of the festival, crowds of attendees came to enjoy the rare opportunity to see one of the architects of Cape jazz to return to the Mother City’s stage.
From the very first chord of this set, it was clear this was more than a performance - it was a musical journey through decades of South African history and jazz. Ibrahim delivered compositions that were celebratory, and deeply reflective and each sound carried the weight of his experience.
This drew the audience in, as they were captivated by Ibrahim layered in rich harmonies and gentle melodies. His set combined timeless classics with intimate improvisations, revealing the emotional depth that has made him a cornerstone of Cape jazz. Festivalgoers, young and old, leaned in, letting the music transport them from the struggles of apartheid to triumphs of resilience and cultural pride.
By the final notes, applause erupted, a wave of appreciation for a musician whose legacy continues to shape the soul of jazz.
Ibrahim's unforgettable set came after performances by Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse who had festivalgoers lining up to catch his signature grooves and magnetic stage presence live.
South African musician Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse performs on the Kippies stage during the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Picture: Henk Kruger / Independent Media
As his presence had a high-energy tone for the evening, the stage itself seemed to come alive as Mabuse moved effortlessly between instruments.
Friday night was also a time for emerging local talents to shine as the likes of “Aweh” hitmaker lordkez and Rorisang Sechele also performed at different stages during night one of “Africa’’ Grandest Gathering.”
Sechele had the audience swooning as she brought her powerful project, The Seed, to life during her CTIJF debut.
Meanwhile, lordkez’s dynamic blend of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and alternative music had the crowd singing and dancing in enjoyment.
Other performers on the night also included Jabulile Majola and The CTIJF Jazz Orchestra, Manana, Jasmine Myra and 7-time Grammy Award-winning superstar Jacob also set for show-stopping performances on Day one.