Cape Town International Jazz Festival reveals artist line-up

The list includes South African artists: Ernie Smith, a SAMA, KORA and Metro music award winner and guitarist, VuDu (SA) – founding members Sisanda “Sunda” Myataza (vocals) and Kristo Zondagh (drums), vocalist and composer Siya Makuzeni. Also on the list are Skyjack, a multi-award winning group, and Taylor McFerrin, a producer, singer, songwriter and keyboardist. Taylor will be performing with highly talented American drummer Marcus Gilmore.

Leading the line-up for urban fans are South African rapper and hip-hop artist Dope Saint Jude, British singer, songwriter and MOBO award winner Laura Mvula, Judith Sephuma, The Rudimentals, Soweto String Quartet, Marcus Wyatt and the Sekunjalo Edujazz Band.

The event has also invited artists from other countries namely, Grammy-nominated Manu Dibango (Cameroon), SAMA award-winning Moreira Chonguica (Mozambique); classical vocalist, violinist and composer Deepak Pandit (India), distinguished drummer Ranjit Barot (India); vibrant Latin music sextet Escalandrum (Argentina) led by drummer Daniel ‘Pipi’ Piazzola.

The list also includes contemporary American jazz outfits such as Jazz Funk Soul and En Vogue. Other US jazz musicians who will perform at the event include multiple award-winning jazz master, alto saxophonist, Rudresh Mahanthappa Bird Calls, award-winning jazz vocalist and critically acclaimed Gretchen Parlato.

Commenting on the CTIJF’s 2017 showcase, festival Director Billy Domingo said, “We are undergoing a musical renaissance, where different musical genres and performers are collaborating to create new sounds for new audiences who may come from different walks of life, but who all appreciate what music has to offer.”

 “I couldn’t be happier with this line-up as it’s a reflection of where we have come from, where we are now and where we are going,” he added.

Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Patricia de Lille concurred, "The CTIJF is not just a local favourite, but has rightfully taken its place as one of the primary festivals of its kind on a global scale. Every year it gives us the opportunity to consolidate our position as the events capital of Africa, and brings a national and international audience to our world-class local acts.”

As the minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa pointed out, "The Cape Town International Jazz Festival, now in its 18th edition, continues to attract the best musicians from South Africa and abroad; and the musical collaborations that result from this rich engagement produce music that captures the cultural imagination of our people, builds continental cohesion and speaks to the world at large."

CTIJF has led the live musical journey on the African continent for the past 17 years and continues to showcase new talent, new sounds, while staging them alongside music masters. Last year, the event earned the number one spot in local festival favourites and was regarded as one of the top music festivals in the world by Fest 300. 

The CTIJF has also opened applications for it CTIJF Arts Journalism and Photo Journalism courses, please also see: www.capetownjazzfest.com

The event is sponsored by the Department of Arts and Culture, Independent Media and PRASA. Other sponsors include the City of Cape Town, Johnny Walker, Amstel and South African Tourism.

Tickets are available for sale on Computicket.