SA: Journey to Jazz 2025 unveils star-studded line-up

Renowned for its ability to capture the Karoo’s rich musical heritage, hospitality, and sense of community, J2J 2025 promises to deliver an extraordinary programme featuring jazz greats from around the world. A major highlight will be Kesivan Naidoo and the Lights, who will present a special commissioned performance marking South Africa’s three decades of democracy.

Making its South African debut, this musical experience will reflect on the country’s transformation over the years, paying tribute to some of the most influential South African jazz composers of the past three decades and beyond. It will be a deep dive into the evolution of the nation’s jazz sound, with drummer and bandleader Naidoo at the helm.

Naidoo will also reunite with his former bandmates from Tribe for the first time in 25 years, alongside a new member. Their set is expected to be a compelling blend of individual artistry and collective innovation, promising to be a major festival highlight.

Adding to the excitement, J2J’s resident artistic director, Kyle Shepherd, will take the stage with his acclaimed Kyle Shepherd Trio, delivering a performance that fuses Cape jazz traditions with international influences.

An electrifying line-up

The festival’s diverse selection of musicians guarantees an exhilarating blend of jazz mastery, genre fusion, and local storytelling. It includes Kesivan and the Lights, Kyle Shepherd Trio, Tribe: The Reunion, The Heinrich Frans Duo (with Allou April), Nomadic Orchestra, El Corazon, Karoo Jazz Project (KJP) and The People’s Concert.

The festival kicks off on 1 May 2025, with The People’s Concert, a free community-driven showcase held at the Kritikom Koppie Theatre, an abandoned quarry transformed into a breathtaking open-air amphitheatre. This event celebrates the local talent of Prince Albert and surrounding towns, reinforcing J2J’s commitment to nurturing emerging artists.

This year’s line-up for The People’s Concert includes Laingsburg Brass Band, Karoo Blues, Zolani Youth Choir, Derek Hendricks & Slam JAM, Prince Albert Vastrappers Riel Dancers, NSG Band, Oom Tallie, and Claudia Hendricks.

Tickets to the event are available here.