Cape Town International Jazz Festival releases 2nd batch artist line-up

This year jazz fans will enjoy performances from local acts such as multiple award-winner vocalist and songwriter Thandiswa Mazwai; vocalist, pianist, and composer Nomfundo Xaluva; live concept band STTA; multi-instrumentalist and producer “Pops” Mohamed; multiple award-winning and platinum-selling group Mango Groove; Chris Hani High School; and Camillo Lombard.

The composer and the multi-award winning saxophonist arranger Buddy Wells will lead his own band, the Buddy Wells Sextet (SA).

Also in the line-up of local artists are Sophia Foster, Terry Fortune, Sylvia Mdunyelwa, Sammy Webber, Vicky Sampson, Congolese-born vocalist Tresor, Sonik Citizen and multiple award winner Mark Fransman, who will be showcasing his “lyrical-soul-rock” style at the CTIJF.

Those seeking the ancestral roots of jazz and hip-hop in African music will be captivated by artists such as Aly Keita (Ivory Coast), Mehdi Nassouli (Morocco), Foulane Bouhssine (Morocco), bassist Childo Thomas, and Senegalese drummer Sega Seck.

Jazz saxophonist, producer and composer Kamasi Washington (USA) and Grammy-nominated songstress Andra Day (USA) will also be joining the line-up. Attendees who favour urban sounds and hip-hop will find American alternative hip-hop trio Digable Planets and dance/electronic music producer Jameszoo appealing as they offer music from the fresh, dreamy inspiration of a British producer in his early 20s to the harder-edged, funky flavours of a trio of respected Brooklyn veterans.

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 online at Computicket.