A powerful showcase of emerging jazz talent unfolded at the Artscape Theatre Centre as it partnered with the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) to strengthen music education and mentorship for young performers in the Western Cape.
The collaboration formed part of the Artscape Youth Jazz Series and the CTIJF’s long-running Festival Classroom initiative, a programme designed to connect aspiring musicians with experienced industry professionals through hands-on training and live performance opportunities.
Held shortly after a successful edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in March, the event highlighted the growing commitment to nurturing South Africa’s next generation of jazz artists through structured mentorship and real-world stage experience.
Organisers described the initiative as an effort to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional performance, giving young musicians direct access to the tools, guidance and exposure needed to build sustainable careers in music.
Emilie Walters, CTIJF Music Development and Community Coordinator and former participant in the programme, emphasised the importance of creating pathways for young talent, noting that while talent is widespread, opportunities are not always equally accessible.
The performance night brought together a diverse audience of jazz enthusiasts, cultural figures and young creatives, all gathered to witness a lineup of emerging performers deliver a series of emotionally rich and technically impressive sets.
University of Cape Town jazz student Talicia Mariti delivered a standout performance of her original composition “Move On,” earning strong praise from the audience for her emotional depth and musical maturity.
Another highlight came from Sibabalwe Gobe-Gysman, a 20-year-old Stellenbosch student whose performance on vocals and flute captivated the crowd with its intensity and artistry.
The programme also featured a tribute to legendary guitarist Louis Mhlanga with a rendition of “What Happened to Love,” alongside modern interpretations of works by acclaimed South African jazz composer Nduduzo Makhathini.
A particularly striking moment came from 16-year-old vocalist McKenzie Hendricks, who delivered moving interpretations of classic works by Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya, further showcasing the depth of young vocal talent emerging in the region.
The event also featured one of its youngest performers, 15-year-old drummer Ethan Herman from the Mitchells Plain Academy of Music, whose precise rhythm and stage confidence impressed audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Organisers said the Festival Classroom initiative, originally launched in 2003 as a one-day programme, has since evolved into a multi-day development platform aimed at building long-term careers in music while preserving South Africa’s rich jazz heritage.
The collaboration between CTIJF and Artscape continues to strengthen Cape Town’s reputation as a hub for cultural innovation and musical excellence, while ensuring that young musicians are given meaningful opportunities to grow within the industry.
