Grammy winner Jacob Collier wows fans at CTIJF masterclass in Cape Town
Image: Supplied
Jacob Collier got the pre-Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) festivities going early during his masterclass, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Thursday, March 26.
The multiple Grammy Award-winning musician is set to headline “Africa’s Grandest Gathering” on Friday, March 27, during his highly anticipated South African debut - a country that has influenced his music from a young age, particularly its choral traditions.
The English singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is set to headline the Kippies Stage in a performance that promises to be immersive and soulful.
Ahead of this, Collier presented a masterclass at the CTICC, where scores of people queued to see the renowned musician in the flesh. Attendees were so thrilled to welcome him that they even applauded his mother, Suzie Collier, as she arrived.
The packed venue included an eclectic mix of schoolchildren and music lovers of all ages, all eager to witness the musician in action.
Collier was described as “the Mozart of our generation” as he was welcomed to the stage. He embraced the moment, running onstage and thanking the crowd for their standing ovation.
He then began his signature choir-style performance, acting as conductor and breaking the audience into vocal sections to create complex, multi-part arrangements. This “Audience Choir” blends jazz-influenced harmony, rapid modulation and spontaneous emotional expression, often featuring thousands of voices in sold-out venues.
The exercise had the crowd humming and fully immersed in the harmonious atmosphere, creating a calm yet energising mood that set the tone for the masterclass.
There was clicking, humming and a palpable sense of connection as attendees felt the vibe - before Collier kicked things into high gear and began to perform.
Seated at the piano, his powerful voice reverberated through the venue as the audience took in the moment. Many appeared visibly moved, swaying gently to the soulful sound of his music.
The musician later took a seat facing the audience, greeting them with a South African “howzit” before asking, “Was that alright?”
“I have been looking forward to saying that for 31 years now - lekker,” he added, drawing even more applause.
He then spoke about being in South Africa for the first time, as well as performing on his first stage in Africa.
“I couldn’t have imagined a more delightful group of people to meet first. This is so, so lovely - and it’s so cool,” he said.
As Collier readies himself for his CTIJF debut on Friday, festivalgoers are in for a treat, with a diverse mix of global stars, South African legends and emerging talent set to perform across multiple stages.
International acts blending jazz, soul and Afro-fusion include Yellowjackets, The Yussef Dayes Experience, Mohini Dey and Fatoumata Diawara.
The local line-up features jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim, Sipho Mabuse, Nduduzo Makhathini & An Ongoing Rehearsal Our-Ke(s)tra, as well as Camissa Knights, Rorisang Sechele and Jabulile Majola.
Tickets for the 2026 CTIJF are available through Ticketmaster, with Buy Now Pay Later options on Loot. Festival organisers encourage early ticket purchase due to high demand.
For updates, follow @capetowninternationaljazzfest on social media and visit the festival website.