South African music legends Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse and lordkez delivered unforgettable performances at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) 2026. Mabuse, a pioneer of Afro-pop, took to the Kippies Stage at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and performed an energetic set that had the crowd on their feet.
With hits like ‘Burn Out’ and ‘Jive Soweto’, Mabuse reminded everyone why he remains a towering figure in South African music. The audience responded in kind, clapping, singing and dancing along to every beat. It was a masterclass in live performance, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair.
CTIJF 2026 Highlights
Meanwhile, ‘Aweh’ hitmaker lordkez took to the Manenberg Stage later on Friday night. The award-winning singer, songwriter and multi-disciplinary artist brought the vibes with a performance that celebrated her unique sound – a dynamic blend of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and alternative music.
The festival was kicked off earlier with soulful performances from fellow emerging talent Rorisang Sechele, who brought her powerful project, The Seed, to life during her CTIJF debut. Sechele had the audience swooning with a set that seamlessly blended jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and gospel, creating a sound that is both intimate and expansive.
CTIJF Lineup
Other artists scheduled to take the stage later on Friday night include Jabulile Majola, Manana, and Jasmine Myra, before UK superstar Jacob Collier closes out night one with a show-stopping performance. For more information on the CTIJF lineup, visit the Cape Town International Jazz Festival Wikipedia page.
Here are some of the key performances to look out for at CTIJF 2026:
- Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse
- lordkez
- Rorisang Sechele
- Jabulile Majola
- Manana
- Jasmine Myra
- Jacob Collier
