Ryan Swano
The Cape Town Jazzathon returns to the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre from 9 to 11 January 2026, celebrating its 29th year as South Africa’s longest-running music festival and drawing lovers of rhythm and live performance from across the city and beyond. It is free to attend and runs daily from early afternoon into the evening, offering a vibrant mix of Afro Jazz, Cape Jazz, Neo Soul and genre-blending sounds under the summer sun.
Friday Opens with Home-grown Rhythm
Today, Friday 9 January, the stage comes alive from early afternoon with performances that ease you into the weekend’s groove. The Artscape Youth Jazz Band opens the day with youthful energy and fresh interpretation of classic jazz motifs, setting a welcoming tone for the afternoon. Women Unite continue the momentum with spirited ensemble work that celebrates both harmony and diversity in sound. South African vocalist Sade Von S takes the spotlight next, blending smooth vocal lines with subtle improvisation before Sarah Pengilly charms the audience with her soulful approach to contemporary jazz. As the sun begins to dip, veteran voices like Cindy Gibbons and Babalwa Mentjies deliver experienced and emotive sets that deepen the festival’s connection to local musical heritage. Tonight’s programme closes with a performance by Alistair Izobell, rounding off a day that feels like a joyful warm-up to the weekend proper.
Saturday Vocal Grooves and Fusion
Saturday 10 January promises some of the festival’s standout highlights. The afternoon starts with the laid-back grooves of Euphonious Joint before one of our favourite entertainers, Ernest St Clair takes his place on stage. St Clair, sometimes billed simply as Saint Clair, is a versatile Cape Town artist known for his rich vocal presence and ability to weave R&B, soul and Afrobeat into his performances. His background as a seasoned singer and performer brings a unique flair to the Jazzathon stage, and his set is one many attendees are buzzing about.
Later in the afternoon Supadan brings a different kind of energy. This band bridges hip hop, soul and jazz, combining tight grooves with vibrant lyrical flow and compelling stage presence. Originating from the creative communities of Cape Town, featuring two rappers Adrian Perspektif Nomdee & Jean-Pierre Frolick, both with highly respectable genre-bending solo careers, the Supadan sound reflects a fusion of global influences and local flair that keeps audiences moving.
Saturday continues with a varied lineup, including the expressive guitar work of Julius May, melodic explorations by Fancy Galada, and the rhythmic depth of Hassan’Adas. The Cape Horns close the night with instrumental finesse that underscores the diversity and strength of South African jazz talent.
Sunday Soulful Expressions and Gospel Jazz
On Sunday 11 January the Jazzathon takes on a warm, reflective mood as performances move from the bright sounds of ensemble groups to more soulful expressions. Musical Hearts Academy and Bongani Sotshononda open the afternoon, leading into sets by Camissa Knights and Chadleigh Gowar. The day’s finale is Gospel According to Jazzathon, an uplifting Gospel Jazz session that brings together spiritual themes and jazz improvisation in a way that has become a cherished closing ritual for the festival. This session is perfect for those who want to feel the power of community and song as the three-day celebration draws to a close.
See the full lineup here.
Craig Parks, the man behind the annual free showcase of Cape Town Jazz, and his team have once again put together a stellar lineup. Whether you are a lifelong jazz fan or simply looking for a weekend soundscape that mirrors the city’s vibrant cultural pulse, the Jazzathon offers something special each day. The V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre will once again be filled with sound, community and the pure joy of live performance as Cape Town’s summer unfolds.
Though not in any way related to the Jazzathon, we recommend that if you are a wine lover, while you are at the V&A Waterfront, a great place to pop in is the La RicMal Wine Emporium at Makers Landing. La RicMal Wines on regular occasions partners with Bruinou.com and aside from their award-winning La RicMal Wines, their Wine Emporium at Makers Landing also carries a wide range of South Africa’s best. We know wine and jazz go well together.
