The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is preparing for a major shift in 2027 as organisers plan to take the event beyond Cape Town for the first time. The move signals a wider effort to grow South Africa’s jazz scene across major cities.

The festival, long known as one of Africa’s leading live music events, will add Johannesburg and Durban to its footprint. Organisers say the change is aimed at widening access for audiences and creating more opportunities for local musicians.

The 2027 edition was announced at an event in Cape Town, where organisers described the next phase as a reset for the festival. The plan is backed by new funding and long-term support commitments.

Expansion into Johannesburg and Durban

Organisers say the move into Johannesburg and Durban will add more stages for emerging artists and widen audience access across South Africa. Cape Town will remain the festival’s home, but the format is shifting toward a national platform for jazz and live performance.

Georgia Jones said the 2027 edition will keep its jazz foundation while introducing a refreshed structure aimed at younger audiences. She said the aim is to update the experience while keeping the festival’s core identity intact.

Honoring Abdullah Ibrahim

The tribute to Abdullah Ibrahim will be a central part of the 2027 programme following his final CTIJF performance this year. Organisers said his influence remains deeply tied to the festival’s identity and its place in South Africa’s cultural landscape.

They also noted his personal wish that the festival continue beyond his lifetime, a sentiment that has become part of internal discussions as organisers shape the direction of the next edition.

Partnerships and cultural growth

Carolyn Savage said the expansion opens new opportunities for sponsors and cultural partners to engage with one of Africa’s most visible music events. She said the festival is seeking deeper collaboration across creative and business sectors.

She added that the next phase will focus on building stronger audience experiences while maintaining community links and supporting the development of African jazz talent across multiple cities.