South Africa's finest take the stage

Day one of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) kicked off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday, March 27 with a vibrant mix of global stars and top local talent.

- KARISHMA DIPA

Seven-time Grammy Award winner Jacob Collier headlined the night, bringing more than just the vibes. His performance on the Kippies Stage radiated pure joy, as his choir-style music resonated with the South African audience, who effortlessly sang three-part harmonies and wordless melodies under his precise yet joyful conducting.

The UK-born musician formed an even deeper connection when he greeted the crowd with a warm South African "Howzit!" and playfully exclaimed how lekker it felt to perform on African soil. He wove classics into his set, including "I Can See Clearly Now," fragments of "Wise Man Said," and gospel-like refrains that had the crowd softly echoing.