South African artist Rorisang Sechele performs at the Moses Molelekwa stage during the 2026 Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Ian Landsberg/ Independent Media.
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) kicked off on Friday, March 27, with powerful performances by South African stars at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
The CTIJF Jazz Orchestra commenced proceedings with a vibrant set on the Rosies Stage, marking one of the festival’s most important homegrown ensemble projects. Featuring a blend of emerging South African musicians alongside established players, the orchestra’s performance was a fitting start to the programme. Dubbed “Africa’s Grandest Gathering,” the festival provides a unique platform to nurture new talent and showcase the future of South African jazz.
Meanwhile, local star DJ Sio kicked off the festivities on the Manenberg Stage, getting the party started as crowds gathered at the Moses Molelekwa Stage to witness Rorisang Sechele bring "The Seed" to life.
This project positions Sechele as part of a new generation of South African jazz artists - rooted in tradition but unafraid to experiment. Her music blends jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and gospel into a sound that is both intimate and expansive.
At the festival, she had attendees swooning as they sang along to her songs as she delivered a soulful performance while stunning in a floral-detailed gown.
South African artist Rorisang Sechele delivered a powerful performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Ian Landsberg/ Independent Media.
Her CTIJF debut was also a full-circle moment. In a recent interview with Independent Media Lifestyle, Sechele reflected: “Performing at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival has always been a dream of mine. I remember having conversations with my roommate in high school about how exciting it would be just to attend the festival. Little did I know that, ten years later, I would be performing on the very stage we once spoke about.”
Friday evening promises a full line-up of stars, with festivalgoers still looking forward to performances by Jabulile Majola, lordkez, Manana and Jasmine Myra.
Other headline acts include seven-time Grammy Winner Jacob Collier, who had fans begging for more during his pre-festival masterclass at the CTICC on Thursday, March 26, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend of music.