Jacob Collier mesmerises at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
This year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) feels different. The usually bustling Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) was more alive and electrified than ever.
For a full weekend, from Friday until Saturday, the world-famous event brought together global icons, South African legends and rising stars, reaffirming its title as "Africa’s Grandest Gathering." And at the centre of this vibrant convergence was the festival’s headlining act: the musical phenomenon, Jacob Collier.
Performing in South Africa for the very first time, Collier transformed the Kippies Stage into an otherworldly space where the lines between artist and audience blurred to nothingness.
Known for his genre-defying brilliance and magnetic performances, Collier didn’t entertain; he built a sprawling sonic cathedral, with every attendee serving as a cornerstone. He pulled us through classics too, “I Can See Clearly Now,” fragments of “Wise Man Said,” even gospel-like refrains that had the crowd softly echoing.”
Ask any of the thousands who poured into Kippies and they’ll tell you there’s something surreal about how Collier dove into his set. From the moment he bounded onto the stage, greeting the crowd with a warm South African "Howzit!" and playfully exclaiming how lekker it felt to be performing on African soil, the tone was set: this wasn’t just a show; it was a celebration.
Collier’s signature is his ability to turn audiences into living, breathing orchestras. Within minutes, concertgoers became an “audience choir,” effortlessly singing three-part harmonies and wordless melodies under his precise yet joyful conducting.
But this spontaneous interaction wasn’t the only highlight of the night. At one point, Collier led the audience in a call-and-response version of “I Can See Clearly Now,” which left everyone captivated. The crowd chanted, "Bompop, bompop rampapa!" in unison, energised by Collier’s enthusiasm and engaging presence.
South African choir, the Thanda Choir, joined him on stage for a breathtaking rendition of “I’m With You.”
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
The CTIJF audience is always an eclectic mix, rubbing shoulders with jazz veterans and die-hard festival devotees.
And during Collier’s set, the universality of his music was more palpable than ever. South African choirs, including the Thanda Choir, joined him on stage for a breathtaking performance of “I’m With You”, a moment so transcendent it gave rise to goosebumps and tears in equal measure.
Even as he moved seamlessly between instruments, jumping from the grand piano to his signature cello to wield multiple guitars, Collier’s focus never wavered from the heart of the evening: creating connection.
Every harmony, every hum, every playful "bird-like tweet" he encouraged from the crowd knitted strangers together in the shared magic of the moment. Last night he was an alchemist.
Momager with South Africa's beloved Biko’s Manana musician trio.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
Among the revellers swept up in Collier’s electrifying set were familiar faces, like South African singer Biko’s Manana musician trio. Even pageant star joined the vibe, spotted in the crowd was former Miss Nigeria Universe, Chidima Adetshina, effortlessly chic in a mini dress and black strapped sandals, singing along to Collier’s melodies.
There’s a reason the CTIJF is called “Africa’s Grandest Gathering.” Since its inception, it’s been a space where global icons meet local brilliance, where jazz evolves in real time.
This year, the energy feels sharper. Younger. More open. From the fashion (everyone looked insane, by the way) to the line-up, the festival feels like it understands the assignment: culture is no longer niche, it’s everything.
The former Miss Nigeria Universe, Chidima Adetshina, was also spotted in the crowd, effortlessly chic in a mini dress and black-strapped sandals
Image: Vuyile Madwansti
Collier's interplay with the audience often felt like an exquisite balancing act between improvisation and inclusivity. Songs evolved in real-time, steered equally by energy in the room and his impish sense of musical adventure. The moments when he led the crowd through three-part vocal arrangements, layering melodies into spiritual, symphonic textures, brought goosebumps to nearly every person in attendance.
And yet, even amid such energy, he found space for quiet intimacy. At his piano, bathed in soft light, Collier beckoned the crowd into spellbound silence before diving into soulful reinterpretations. Whether it was singing along to "I Can See Clearly Now" or chanting South African classics backed by the hauntingly beautiful voices of Thanda Choir, these moments blurred the barrier between artist and audience entirely.
Giuliette Price, festival attendee
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
Jacob Collier’s first concert on South African soil was nothing short of transcendent. His energy resonated through every note, whether he was conducting the audience in a raucous group harmony or seated at the grand piano under a single spotlight, coaxing tears from the crowd with stripped-down, soulful melodies.
If you know Collier, you know the jump. That signature, boyish leap that says: we’re done here. And just like that, it was over.
Too soon. Not enough. But somehow, still full.