Jacob Collier hosts Cape Town masterclass ahead of his South African debut at CTIJF

Multiple Grammy Award-winning musician Jacob Collier made a striking entrance into South Africa’s music scene this week, hosting an interactive masterclass at the Cape Town International Convention Centre ahead of his highly anticipated performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF). Collier, renowned for his intricate harmonies and audience-led ‘choir’ performances, engaged an enthusiastic crowd that included students, seasoned jazz lovers, and fellow musicians. His masterclass offered a blend of education, performance, and connection, as he guided attendees through layered vocal compositions created live on stage. The musician’s spontaneous energy and humour resonated deeply with the audience, particularly when he greeted them with a jovial “howzit” and proudly said he had waited decades to use the local salutation. Collier reflected on how South Africa’s choral traditions have shaped his musical journey, describing the opportunity to perform at his first African show as a deeply meaningful milestone. The CTIJF, dubbed ‘Africa’s Grandest Gathering,’ features a diverse mix of international and local talent this year. Alongside Collier, audiences can expect stellar sets from acts such as Yellowjackets, Yussef Dayes, Mohini Dey, and Fatoumata Diawara, as well as South African legends like Abdullah Ibrahim, Sipho Mabuse, and Nduduzo Makhathini with his project Our-Ke(s)tra. Festival organisers have urged early ticket purchases given high demand, with all updates available via the CTIJF’s official social media platforms.