Cape Town jazz fest chock full of classy acts

EIGHT world-class acts have been added to the 19th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) line-up.

CTIJF organiser espAfrika’s passion for jazz is rooted on our continent but this year’s line-up brings global musicians and embraces everything from swing-bop to neo-soul, hip hop, Afro soul and Zulu blues. Acclaimed as one of the top jazz festivals in the world, the 2018 line-up highlights exactly what makes contemporary jazz fusion a compelling, evolving art form.

CTIJF festival director Billy Domingo is enthusiastic about the upcoming programme: “Great thought has been given to the nuances of the greater jazz form in this year’s line-up. “This is reflected in the variety of the acts that will entertain festival-goers.

“I am delighted that our steadfast festivalgoers, as well as those attending for the first time, have such a wealth of talent from which to create their personal musical experiences and we look forward to sharing these moments with our audiences,” he said.

CTIJF 2018 Second Artist Announcement includes:

The Liberation Project (SA) is part of a broader Liberation Project driven from South Africa, which features musicians who have joined forces to celebrate their liberation struggles from different corners of the world. This line-up has been specially commissioned by the CTIJF and their festival set is dedicated to legendary musician Ray Phiri. This combination includes Sipho Hotstix Mabuse (vox, sax, piano, flute), Tony Cedras (accordion, trumpet), Neill Solomon (vox, piano, acoustic guitar), Dan Chiorboli (perc), Tebogo Sedumedi (vox, bass), DRC star Bienvenue N’Seka (vox, guitar), Keeran Eshwarlall (Sufi vox, harmonium, santoor, harmonica) with special guest Roger Lucey on vox and acoustic guitar.

Incognito’s (UK) undying love for funky jazz turned their acid jazz repertoire into epic anthems. Expect a slick set chock-a-block with party spinners and smooth fusion as well as the unique signature sounds from local musician Simphiwe Dana, among others.

The 19th Cape Town International Jazz Festival will take place on March 23 and 24 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Tickets are now available at Computicket outlets.