Cape Town International Jazz Festival pays tribute to the power of partnerships

As the Mother City transforms once again into a global stage for music, rhythm and soul, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) has extended heartfelt thanks to those who make “Africa’s Grandest Gathering” possible.

The festival takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre Friday and Saturday where artists will be performing under the “Legacy meets tomorrow” theme.

Festival organisers said at the forefront of this journey stands the Survé Family, whose unwavering commitment to the arts and tireless investment in developing home-grown talent has been instrumental in shaping not only this festival, but South Africa’s broader cultural landscape.

Their belief in the power of music to unite, uplift and transform lives is felt in every note, every stage, and every opportunity created for emerging artists, they said. 

“Festivals of this scale don’t happen in isolation,” said festival director Shaakirah Adams.

“It takes vision, belief, and bold commitment from partners who understand the power of music to inspire and transform. Their support is not just financial - it’s foundational. These organisations walk this journey with us, and their impact resonates long after the final note is played.

”Now in its 22nd edition, the CTIJF is more than a musical showcase, it’s a city-wide celebration of creativity, diversity and collaboration.

From staging world-class performances to rolling out impactful community programmes, every aspect of the festival benefits from strategic and values-driven partnerships.

Acknowledging their 2025 partners, the CTIJF extended thanks to all partners whose support has played a critical role in bringing the festival to life.

“As we kick off another unforgettable edition, we do so with immense gratitude to those who stand beside us,” added Adams.

“Together, we are not just hosting a festival - we are reinforcing a legacy.

”What makes the Cape Town International Jazz Festival even more extraordinary is the powerhouse behind it. The festival is proudly managed by an all-woman leadership team, overseeing every aspect - from production and logistics, to talent management, travel and accommodation, marketing, media, sponsorships, finance and administration.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said that after an almost five-year hiatus during the pandemic, the festival’s return in 2024 was a major moment for Cape Town’s arts and entertainment scene, and for tourism.

“The event, which has long been a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar, has been a strong symbol of recovery for the local music industry and the tourism sector.

“Findings from annual research conducted by the University of North West’s Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) Unit further states that the festival has become a critical economic driver for Cape Town and the broader Western Cape.”

“The CTIJF supports an estimated 1500 to 2500 direct and indirect jobs per festival cycle, with broader ripple effects benefiting hundreds more in other sectors.

“Additional data from Data Appeal notes that the Cape Town International Jazz Festival generated a direct visitor spend of approximately R29.7 million,” De Lille said.

Here is the complete list of sponsors:

Host city: City of Cape Town

Presenting partner: Loot.co.za

Official partner: Sekunjalo, Survé Family Office, Prasa

Official media partner: IOL, Independent Media, Mail & Guardian, Heart FM

Official supporter: South African Tourism, Schweppes, Heineken, Weltevrede, Hennessy

In association with: Tractor, Southern Sun, Lift, Old Khaki, Château Gâteaux, Velo, Condé Nast, Magic 828 AM, Catrice, Headset Solutions, Tripos Travel, Orleans Cosmetics, Volt Africa, Africa Community Media

Cape Times