Final line-up for Cape Town Jazz Fest announced

Concluding the 2015 artist line-up are:

Al Jarreau (USA); Andrea Motis and Joan Chamarro (SPAIN); Cannibal Ox (USA); Dee Dee Bridgewater and Irvin Mayfield with The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (USA); Donald (SA); Gavin Minter Septet (SA); Heathfield High School Jazz Band (SA); Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi (SA/ZIM); Jason Miles presents: To Grover With Love, ft. Gerald Veasley with Marion Meadows and Elan Trotman (USA); Jitsenic (SA); Mike Del Ferro ft. Tony Lakatos (NETHERLANDS/SA); Mike Perry's Tribute To Winston Mankunku (SA); Mr Cheeks (USA); Naima McLean (SA); Prophets Of Da City (SA); Ringo Madlingozi (SA); Pacific Express (SA); The City (SA); Thundercat (USA); Victor Masondo and Friends; A Journey Through Music Celebrating our Rich Heritage and Legacy, ft. Thembi Mtshali (SA); and Yvonne Chaka Chaka (SA).

Previously announced artists:

Amel Larrieux (USA); Basia (Poland/UK); Beatenberg (SA); Bänz Oester and The Rainmakers (SWISS/SA); Claude Cozens Trio (SA); Carlo Mombelli and The Storytellers (SWISS/SA); Courtney Pine presents House Of Legends (UK); Delft Big Band (SA); Dirty Loops (SWEDEN); Gerald Clayton Trio (USA); Melanie Scholtz Presents ‘Our Time’ ft. Jitsvinger (SA); Madala Kunene (SA); Mahotella Queens 50th Anniversary Celebration with Special Guests (SA); Naima Kay (SA); Sons Of Kemet (UK); Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse (SA); The Brother Moves On (SA); Purbayan Chatterjee & Talvin Singh (INDIA/UK); Wallace Roney Quintet ft. Lenny White & Buster Williams (USA); and Zoe Modiga (SA)

Each year, the CTIJF grows in strength and popularity. This is underlined by the record sell-out of its initial weekend passes released in November last year, and the fact that there are very limited day passes, private hospitality and individual hospitality packages available.

Enjoying the excitement and the unique learning experience of being exposed to a world-class event will be some 200 Grade 11 and 12 students.  They will once again participate in the respected training and development workshops and programmes that are the lifeblood of the festival, as much as the artists who perform here.

Commenting on the growth of Africa’s largest multi-stage music festival and its contribution to the progression of the entertainment economy, Minister of Arts & Culture, Nkosinathi Mthethwa said: “We have been associated with the Cape Town International Jazz Festival since its inception and once again, we are proud to be the leading sponsor and supporter of what has come to be known as ‘Africa’s Grandest Gathering’.

“The festival has grown by leaps and bounds to become an important flag bearer for the role and contribution of the performing arts, especially jazz music, in tourism, nation building and, above all, economic development. Over the years, the festival has attracted a growing audience from all corners of the country and the world. Significantly, it has created a platform for indigenous artists to showcase their outstanding talent alongside their international counterparts and to continue to nourish the soul of our people. Few will doubt that this festival continues to make a meaningful contribution to bringing diverse people together, creating employment opportunities and fostering a spirit of economic self-reliance among our musicians and other players in the sector,” added Mthethwa.

Festival Director and co-founder of the CTIJF, Billy Domingo stated: “The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has come a long way in 16 years. Moving with the times, we have evolved from a pure jazz event to being a premier lifestyle festival. Without enjoying what we do, we could not continue to provide an exemplary entertainment experience. The fact that we do still enjoy being in this business, is evidenced by the record selling out of tickets and witnessing first hand, the fun had by those attending – whether for the first time or as a regular.

“Taking account of where we have come from, where we are and acknowledging the incredible team and partners behind the scenes, who make sure the show goes on, we thought we would mix it up a little with a line-up that is a slightly ‘sweeter offering’. We have a little something for everyone - jazz legends, those that are up and coming, musical storytellers, and for the young at heart, some new sounds, some high energy and some serious stamina, which will be needed to keep up with the on-stage musical wizardry!” said Domingo.

Overall, the CTIJF remains true to its founders’ desire, to create a platform where young talent can rub shoulders with seasoned artists, and together they provide the backdrop to musical entertainment that brings people of all ages, race and cultures together, in the appreciation of music and a good night out while building the foundation for tomorrow.

Here’s to the sweetest 'Africa’s Grandest Gathering'!

Tickets are R530 for a day pass and are on sale from www.computicket.com. Visit www.capetownjazzfest.com for updates.