Ari Lennox headlines this week’s CTIJF artist announcements

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) continues to build anticipation with its latest artist announcement, headlined by none other than R&B sensation Ari Lennox.

Joining her on this week’s line-up reveal are two outstanding South African talents — bassist and composer Benjamin Jephta, who returns with a special anniversary project featuring the dynamic jazz collective Kujenga, and saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane, whose deeply emotive and exploratory sound has captivated audiences worldwide.

These latest additions follow last week’s exciting reveal of Black Coffee & Nduduzo Makhathini, the Kyle Shepherd Trio, and Thandiswa Mazwai — setting the stage for an unforgettable festival experience.

CTIJF talent manager Lindsay Rhoda shared her enthusiasm, stating, “With every artist announcement, we’re curating a festival that honours jazz’s rich traditions while embracing its ever-evolving sounds. This year’s line-up brings together global icons and local innovators, ensuring a truly immersive experience for festinos.”

Ari Lennox – the soulful voice of a generation

A force of nature in the global music scene, Ari Lennox is set to make her highly anticipated CTIJF debut, bringing her signature blend of sultry vocals, soulful melodies, and raw storytelling to the festival stage.

Since capturing the world’s attention, Lennox has solidified her place as one of R&B’s most compelling voices.

Her critically acclaimed debut album, "Shea Butter Baby" (2019), introduced listeners to her deeply personal songwriting and powerhouse vocals, with the title track featuring on the "Creed II" soundtrack and amassing millions of streams.

Her follow-up project, "age/sex/location" (2022), cemented her reputation as a modern soul icon, with hits like Pressure topping charts and collaborations with Summer Walker, Lucky Daye, and Chlöe Bailey further expanding her reach.

Inspired by Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Mariah Carey, Lennox’s music is an intoxicating fusion of vulnerability, sensuality, and empowerment.

For fans of soul, jazz, and R&B, Lennox’s CTIJF set promises to be a showstopper — an unforgettable night of rich harmonies, undeniable stage presence, and the kind of heartfelt storytelling that has made her a beloved figure in contemporary music.

Benjamin Jephta presents Homecoming Revisited, feat. Kujenga

Multi-award-winning bassist and composer Benjamin Jephta has been a leading figure in South African jazz for over a decade.

A Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz and a Mail & Guardian Young South African, Jephta’s genre-defying style blends jazz with contemporary influences, pushing the boundaries of musical storytelling.

This year, Jephta celebrates the 10th anniversary of his debut album "Homecoming" with "Homecoming Revisited", a bold reimagining that fuses jazz with Afrobeat and dance music.

Joining him for this special performance is Kujenga, the seven-piece Cape Town jazz collective that wowed audiences at last year’s festival.

Recognised as "South Africa’s New Generation of Jazz" by Okay Africa, Kujenga brings a fresh, socially conscious energy to the stage. Together, Jephta and Kujenga promise an electrifying set that reinterprets Homecoming while honouring its legacy.

Linda Sikhakhane – A visionary voice in jazz

Linda Sikhakhane is a saxophonist and composer who embodies the ever-evolving spirit of South African jazz.

A Blue Note recording artist and the 2022 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz, Sikhakhane’s music seamlessly blends the traditional with the contemporary, creating a deeply emotive and spiritually resonant sound.

Having performed on prestigious stages worldwide - from Lincoln Centre to Ronnie Scott’s -Sikhakhane has collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Gregory Porter, Thandiswa Mazwai, and Nduduzo Makhathini.

His performances are an exploration of heritage, identity, and innovation, making him an unmissable act at this year’s CTIJF.

This week’s artist announcements are just getting started!

For more information, visit www.capetownjazzfest.com or follow the festival’s social media pages@officialcapetownjazzfestival