Cape Town bursts into rhythm on 9 January 2026 as the Cape Town Jazzathon returns to the V&A Waterfront for its 29th anniversary, bringing with it a dynamic showcase of established icons, rising stars and bold new voices from across the country and beyond.
This year’s festival features an exceptional mix of talent from as far afield as the Congo, Johannesburg, George, Clanwilliam, and, of course, Cape Town, proving once again why the Jazzathon remains South Africa’s longest-running and most beloved open-air music festival.
Festival Convenor Craig Parks of JCQ Productions says he is ‘thrilled with the calibre of artists who applied this year’, noting that the 2026 line-up is set to be one of the strongest and most diverse since the festival began nearly three decades ago.
Artists on the bill include…
- Saxophone sensation: Donvino & The Cape Horns
- Cape Town’s young & upcoming jazz stars: The Artscape Youth Jazz Band
- Latino, Cubano, AfroFusion Band: Hassan’Adas
- Bass Maestro: Chadleigh Gowar
- African Song & Dance showstopper: Fancy Galada
- Guitar Maestro: Julius May
- Rising Jazz vocal star: Sarah Pengilly
- Original pop idol: Ernest St Clair
Jazz lovers can expect the above, and even more, as well as one of this year’s ultimate highlight: Gospel According to Jazzathon. Set to be an amazing treat for gospel fans on Sunday, 11 January, the set will feature an all-star line-up of some of Cape Town’s most incredible gospel singers backed by a dynamic gospel band.
A three-day musical celebration, free for all
Running from 9 to 11 January, the Jazzathon offers three full days of free live performances, spanning Afro Jazz, Cape Jazz, Hip Hop, Neo Soul, R&B, fusion and genre-blending collaborations.
Daily entertainment runs from 12pm to 8pm, making it the perfect summer outing for families, locals and visitors.
The festival is proudly produced by JCQ Productions and funded by the Department of Sports, Arts & Culture’s MGE (Mzanzi Golden Economy) programme, the City of Cape Town, as well as the Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport.
Festival updates and the full line-up will be available on the Cape Town Jazzathon website, @capetownjazzathon on Instagram and Cape Town Jazzathon on Facebook.
A message from the festival director
‘We are extremely grateful to our funders, MGE, City of Cape Town and The Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport, through whom we are able to produce a magnificent festival,’ says Festival Director Craig Parks.
A glimpse of previous Jazzathon events to whet your appetite
Cape Town, this one’s for you!
Capetonians are invited to step out, show up, and celebrate homegrown talent at one of the city’s most iconic summer events. Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your love for music – and experience the heartbeat of Cape Town live at the Waterfront.
Admission is free. The vibes are guaranteed. The Jazzathon in calling.
Also read:
Summer in the Mother City: 7 under-the-radar things to do in Cape Town
Picture: Supplied
