Jazzwrld and Thukuthela Set to Shine at Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2026
The 23rd annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is set to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on March 27 and 28, promising two days of world-class live music. The festival has long been one of Africa’s premier music events, attracting both local and international talent, and serving as a platform for artists to showcase their craft to a diverse audience. This year’s line-up includes the South African duo Jazzwrld and Thukuthela, who have been steadily rising in the local music scene with their unique sound. Known for tracks such as “uMoya” and “Tholukuthi Clap Song,” the pair blends electronic production with live instrumentation, creating performances that are dynamic and emotionally resonant. For Jazzwrld and Thukuthela, appearing at the CTIJF is a dream realized, a milestone they have envisioned since childhood.
Jazzwrld, born Kamohelo Monese in Maseru, Lesotho, began his career under the name Jazzworx before rebranding in late 2025 to signal broader ambitions for South African electronic music on the global stage. Thukuthela, born Kgotso Dube in Daveyton, is a vocalist and producer celebrated for his distinct voice and stage presence. Together, they have pioneered what fans call the 3-Step sound, a fusion of afro-house, afro-jazz, afro-tech, and amapiano rhythms, distinguished by a three-kick rhythm pattern, layered synths, and acoustic guitar elements. Their lyrical content explores relationships, spirituality, and personal growth, reflecting both their life experiences and cultural roots. By the end of 2025, they had claimed the top spot on South African music charts, a testament to their growing influence and widespread appeal.
Their connection to South Africa’s musical heritage informs their sound and approach to performance. Jazzwrld explains that early tracks were inspired by mbaqanga and disco, drawing from artists like the Mahotella Queens and Mfaz’Omnyama. This grounding in local rhythms has shaped their identity while allowing them to innovate within electronic and live music frameworks. Their debut album, “The Most Wanted,” released in 2025, became the first by a South African artist to reach 90 million streams on South African Spotify, surpassing 100 million streams globally by early 2026. Several singles from the album have achieved multi-platinum status, reflecting both commercial success and listener engagement. Despite these achievements, the duo emphasizes the importance of live connection with audiences, viewing each performance as a shared experience rather than a display of numbers.
Anticipation for their CTIJF set is high, with Jazzwrld and Thukuthela promising a performance that honors both their roots and their evolution as artists. They will perform on the Manenberg Stage on Saturday, March 28, incorporating live band sessions to deliver a retro-inspired yet contemporary show. The duo describes their journey as shaped by persistence and faith, attributing their success to lessons learned along the way and a deep connection to music as a spiritual medium. They see this festival as an opportunity to honor South African music legends, connect with fans, and continue building a legacy for future artists to follow.
As the festival approaches, audiences can expect an immersive experience that blends electronic innovation with live musicality, reflecting Jazzwrld and Thukuthela’s signature 3-Step sound. Their performance represents both a personal milestone and a contribution to the continent’s rich jazz and contemporary music tradition. Fans attending the CTIJF can anticipate an energetic, intimate, and memorable show that celebrates creativity, heritage, and the power of music to connect people across generations. Jazzwrld and Thukuthela’s appearance at the festival underscores the ongoing evolution of South African music and the global recognition of its talent.
