The South African College of Music (SACM) at the University of Cape Town is proud to announce the return of its much-anticipated annual UCT Jazz Festival, taking place from 21-23 September 2026. Three days of music-making, showcasing various expressions of jazz culminate in the UCT Creative Collab Experiment, where students from both the Jazz, and African Music departments showcase original compositions.
The SACM is home to the continent’s leading jazz training programme, established in 1989 by Emeritus Associate Professor Michael Campbell. Over the decades, it has cultivated generations of award-winning artists who have made an indelible mark on the international stage. The UCT Jazz Festival continues this tradition by offering a platform for innovation, collaboration and the preservation of live music performance.
A recent addition of the festival features free Library Desk lunch hour concerts at the historic W.H. Bell Music Library, inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series, alongside evening performances at the Baxter Concert Hall.
The evening performances at the Baxter Concert Hall during the UCT Jazz Festival 2026 offer three distinct celebrations of jazz artistry, each approximately one hour in length.
JAZZ VOCAL SHOWCASE — 21 SEPTEMBER
Experience the soul and sophistication of vocal jazz in this concert curated by Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantyis and Abigail Houghton. Featuring the UCT Jazz Voices, directed by Amy Campbell, this performance is a tribute to the rich tradition and expressive power of jazz singing. From timeless standards to contemporary gems, enjoy a captivating evening that celebrates the artistry, harmony, and heart of jazz vocals, accompanied by an all-star alumni trio featuring Bratthew van Schalkwyk on piano, Sean Sanby on double bass, and Lilvan Gangen on drums.
UCT BIG BAND — 22 SEPTEMBER
Celebrate Heritage Day with the vibrant sounds of the UCT Big Band! Presented by UCT Jazz and under the direction of Justin Bellairs, this dynamic concert showcases a rich tapestry of musical styles — from the soulful grooves of South African jazz and the fiery rhythms of Latin, to the smooth sophistication of contemporary jazz and classic swing. Join us for an evening of powerful performances, infectious energy, and a joyful tribute to our shared musical heritage.
HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATION — 23 SEPTEMBER
Join the talented students of the South African College of Music’s Jazz and African Music sections for an evening of rhythm, soul and innovation. This concert showcases original works created during the Creative Collab Project— an exciting initiative launched in 2024 to invigorate the curriculum through interdisciplinary collaboration. As part of Creative Collab Week, students engaged in rehearsals, improvisation, ensemble playing and composition workshops. The result: bold new sounds and inspired performances that celebrate South Africa’s rich musical heritage while forging new creative paths into the future.
LIBRARY DESK
The UCT Jazz Festival features free Library Desk lunch hour concerts at the W.H. Bell Music Library, inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series. Presented in continued partnership with the W.H. Bell Music Library, these concerts bring live performance into a space historically dedicated to music scholarship, bridging artistic practice and research, and transforming the library into a living archive of South African jazz heritage.
MASTERCLASS — LUMANYANO MZI
Lumanyano Mzi, South African-born and now based in New York, returns to SACM for an inspiring masterclass. A celebrated drummer, composer, and producer, he will share his music, reflect on his experience as an international student, and offer insights into building a successful career as a recording artist and professional musician.
This is the sort of masterclass where students are encouraged to bring their instruments. Especially in the jazz world, spontaneous music-making is part of the craft.
• Lunch Hour Concerts – Free entry
• Evening Concerts at Baxter Concert Hall – Booking via Webtickets
Festival Line-up:
Monday, 21 September
• 1-2pm: Library Desk Lunch Hour Concert  Venue: W.H. Bell Music Library
• 7-8pm: UCT Jazz Vocal Showcase Venue: Baxter Concert Hall
Tuesday, 22 September
• 1-2pm: Library Desk Lunch Hour Concert  Venue: W.H. Bell Music Library
• 7-8pm: UCT Big Band Venue: Baxter Concert Hall
Wednesday, 23 September
• 1-2pm: Library Desk Lunch Hour Concert
• 6-8pm: UCT Creative Collab Experiment: African Music & Jazz Venue: Baxter Concert Hall
WHAT: UCT Jazz Festival 2026
WHERE: Baxter Concert Hall | W.H. Bell Music Library
WHEN: 21 – 23 September, 2026 – details above
BOOKING: Webtickets
INFO: Fiona Grayer E concerts@uct.ac.za
