Detail defines CTIJF's successful year-round mission
An intimate, insightful night hosted by the CTIFJ team addressing financial fairness.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
All the right notes were struck at Cape Town's Athletic Club last Thursday evening as the who's who of the industry came together to discuss some of the music sector's biggest challenges.
The event, which was organised by the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIFJ), saw stakeholders talk about everything from getting paid fairly to ensuring respect and dignity for artists throughout booking and negotiation processes.
As the discussions deepened, a simple message emerged: the absolute need for collective industry reform, which begins with improved transparency and communication.
Participants also addressed one of the most pressing challenges in the sector—financial fairness.
Artists, venues, and promoters collectively stressed the need for clearer communication channels and more honest engagement throughout booking and negotiation processes.
"What struck me tonight was the personal nature of this issue. Non-payment isn’t just an administrative failure, as it chips away at artists' dignity. Artists shouldn’t have to go to every gig wondering if they’ll have to fight for their worth," music journalist Daniel Young tells IOL.
Speaking to IOL, Young reflects on this crucial matter, saying "actual reform won’t come from one corner of the industry" and that artists, venues, promoters, agents, and festivals all have to level up or nothing changes.
"Professional standards must rise simultaneously across all stakeholders: artists, venues, promoters, agents, and festivals," Young voices strongly.
The evening concluded with a strong and constructive call for immediate industry reform as artists, managers, and venue representatives collectively asserted that artists should not be the only ones held accountable for change.
The 2025 CTIJF Conversation Series forms part of the festival’s broader effort to strengthen the local music ecosystem. Designed to bring together artists, industry workers, and cultural practitioners to unpack the structures shaping their livelihoods.
What’s Next for CTIJF 2026?
The next Cape Town International Jazz Festival is scheduled for March 27–28 2026. For more content and updates, follow the official CTIJF social media channels, with tickets available through Ticketmaster.
IOL.
In Attendance: Jina Min: Empire Africa, Duncan Johnson: Musician, Aaron Peters: A&R, Chadleigh Gowar: Musician, Jed Cohen: Vertigo Festival, Thembalethu Hadebe: Greenback Media Group/ A&R, Benjy de Kock: Concept Records, Georgia Jones: Director CTIJF, Emilie Walters: Music Development CTIJF, Mariana del Carmen: Talent Coordinator CTIJF, Mbali Mthebe: Social Media CTIJF, Daniel Young: Journalist CTIJF, Azhar Salie: Event Operations CTIJF
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers