The city centre will come alive with music, movement, and magic on Thursday April 24 as Greenmarket Square transforms into an open-air celebration of unity, rhythm, and world-class talent for the free concert that has become the customary prelude to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF).
From 4.30pm to 10pm, locals and visitors will enjoy performances by both homegrown heroes and international icons that will offer a taste of what’s to come at the two-day jazz festival, held on Friday and Saturday April 25 and 26 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
MC’d by festival radio partner, HeartFM, the line-up promises to get everyone on their feet.
With her distinct and melancholic sound, Hannah Ray’s vocals have been described as euphoric.
Image: Supplied
Here’s what you can expect:
DJ Eazy – Veteran DJ Eazy will open the night with a high-energy set mixing hip hop, R&B, Amapiano, and Afrobeats, delivering the electrifying vibes he’s known for across the globe.
Hannah Ray – Cape Town-raised, UK-born Hannah Ray brings her cinematic vocals and genre-defying sound, redefining the local music scene with a soulful style and captivating stage presence.
Fancy Galada – With her powerful voice and stage presence, Fancy Galada blends township soul with modern flair, having performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival and collaborated with icons like Angelique Kidjo.
Andrea Fortuin – Viral sensation Andrea Fortuin will share her velvet voice and raw emotion, winning hearts as one of the brightest emerging stars in local music.
The Ploemies are, Shaun Johannes (electric bass guitar), Keno Carelse (drums), Bradley Prince (electric guitar) and Duncan Johnson (saxophone).
Image: Supplied
The Ploemies – This genre-mashup band from Cape Town delivers jazz, funk, goema, and ska with a whole lot of local flavour. Expect big grooves, bold horns, and a dance-worthy performance.
TKZee – Kwaito royalty, TKZee returns to bring the nostalgia, bass, and unforgettable hits like Shibobo and Dlala Mapantsula, electrifying the crowd with their classic bangers, while paying homage to the legacy of Tokollo “Magesh”Tshabalala.
TKZee members Tokollo Tshabalala, Zwai Bala and Kabelo Mabalane met at school in the early nineties and became the biggest-selling kwaito band in South Africa.
Image: Supplied
Incognito (UK) – Headlining the night, UK-based Incognito will close the concert with their timeless jazz-funk grooves, killer horns, and velvety vocals, cementing their status as global icons.
British acid jazz band Incognito is set to thrill fans this week.
Image: Supplied
This family-friendly, alcohol-free event celebrates community, culture, and connection, offering a chance for everyone to enjoy the gift of music. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as road closures and crowd control measures will be in place.
“The free concert is where the magic really begins,” says festival head, Shaakirah Adams. “It’s a night where local legends and global stars light up the stage for everyone, with no tickets or velvet ropes – just pure music and pure vibe.”
The CTIJF continues to play a key role in job creation, youth development, and tourism and this concert is just one more way the festival gives back to Cape Town.
“The free jazz concert has become an annual tradition for Capetonians and visitors alike, who come together to enjoy and celebrate their love of music,” said mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith. “It is an opportunity for the City, working with the organisers of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, to provide a musical experience with big-name artists for those who are not able to get tickets for the main festival.
“We invite everyone to come and be part of this special celebration set in a safe, vibrant, and family-friendly environment. Bring your loved ones, soak in the rhythm of the city, and enjoy world-class performances under the Cape Town sky.”
To view the full jazz festival line-up for April 25 and 26, visit www.capetownjazzfest.com, or download the app from your Appstore and follow @officialcapetownjazzfestival on social media.