Our ultimate 2026 playlist

AS THE countdown to the 23rd edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival begins, excitement is building among music lovers across South Africa and beyond.

- LUTHO PASIYA

GETTING ready for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is about more than just tickets, outfits and travel plans.

(ARMAND HOUGH Independent Newspapers)

Known as Africas Grandest Gathering, the festival returns with another packed lineup that blends global jazz icons with homegrown talent and new voices shaping the future of music.

This year's festival will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on March 27 and 28.

As always, the celebrations begin earlier in the week with the annual free concert at Greenmarket Square on March 25, giving fans a taste of the music before the main event.

Many festivalgoers have already secured their tickets, booked accommodation and started planning outfits for one of the biggest weekends on the jazz calendar.

However, before the stages light up, there is another way to get into the spirit of the festival. A playlist.

While the official set lists remain a surprise for concertgoers, a few songs from the lineup could easily make their way into the performances.

Think of this playlist as the perfect warm-up for the weekend.

Even if the exact tracks do not appear on stage, they offer a glimpse into the sound, energy and musical journey audiences can expect.

One artist whom fans are eager to see is Jacob Collier, whose live shows are known for their creativity and audience interaction.

A likely opening moment could be 100,000 Voices, a track from his album Djesse Vol. 4.