The bustling streets of Cape Town’s Central Business District will come alive with the vibrant sounds of music as the much-anticipated 2025 Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) Free Concert takes centre stage.
This year’s line-up promises an exhilarating mix of acclaimed international artists and dynamic local talent that will captivate residents and visitors alike.
Headlining this year’s concert are renowned British acid jazz legends Incognito and the iconic South African kwaito group TKZee.
They are joined by genre-bending acts such as The Ploemies, along with rising star Hannah Ray and powerhouse vocalists Andrea Fortuin and Fancy Galada. To keep the energy high between sets, the crowd can look forward to electrifying performances by DJ Eazy.
Located at the historic Greenmarket Square, the Free Jazz Concert serves not only as a popular feature on Cape Town’s annual events calendar, but also as a preview to the main festival. The square, known as the second oldest public space in the city, transforms into an inviting open-air venue offering residents and visitors a front-row seat to a world-class musical experience.
Alderman JP Smith, the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, emphasised the concert's importance as an annual tradition.
"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. 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," he said.
The concert kicks off at 4:40pm and runs until 10pm, promising an evening filled with rhythm, energy, and community spirit.
Road closures
To ensure a smooth experience for concert-goers, temporary road closures will be implemented around the Greenmarket Square area. Motorists and residents should plan their journeys accordingly, as closures will begin at 6am from Wednesday, 23 April until Friday, 25 April 2025, affecting the following roads:
- Burg Street between Church and Longmarket streets
- Longmarket Street between Long and Adderley streets
- Burg Street between Hout and Shortmarket streets
- Shortmarket Street between Long and Adderley streets
Following the Free Concert, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival will take centre stage at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) over the weekend of 25 – 26 April. Festival-goers can expect over 30 artists across multiple stages, culminating in a vibrant celebration of global jazz, soul, and Afro-fusion.
The main festival will feature a dazzling lineup, including a collaboration between Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee and jazz pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, as well as performances from American R&B sensation Ari Lennox, South African music legend Thandiswa Mazwai, and 11-time SAMA-winning Afro-soul artist Lira, among many others.
- Walter Sisulu Avenue (East Bound) between Lower Long and Heerengracht Streets will be closed from 4pm on Friday, 25 April to 5pm on Sunday, 27 April.
- Lower Long Street between Walter Sisulu Avenue and FW De Klerk Boulevard will be closed from 4pm on Friday, 25 April to 5pm on Sunday, 27 April.
- Walter Sisulu Avenue (West Bound) between Heerengracht and Lower Long Streets will be closed from 6pm on Friday, 25 April to 5pm on Sunday, 27 April.
With an extraordinary line-up of artists and a safe, family-friendly environment, the 2025 CTIJF Free Concert is set to be a highlight of Cape Town’s cultural calendar, bringing people together to share in the love of music.
IOL