International jazz festival in Cape Town

More than 40 South African and international stars converge on Cape Town from 25-26 March to take part in the 12th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Since it began 11 years ago the festival has become an increasingly successful event, attracting larger audiences each year.

One of the most important annual dates on the African musical calendar, organisers describe it as "Africa's grandest gathering" while Melodytrip.com, the online source for music festival news and information, has ranked it as the number 4 music event in the world.

Local musicians include Dave Ledbetter and the Clearing, Lisa Bauer and The Lwanda Gogwana Songbook while Youssou Ndour, Jazzanova, and Earth Wind and Fire are numbered among the international acts taking to one of the festival's five stages.

A unique feature of the festival is its homage to the music of Cape Town jazz musicians who have die during the last year. The Cape Town Tribute Band pays tribute to Winston Mankunku, Tony Schilder, Donald Tshomela, Ezra Ngcukana, Robbie Jansen and Hotep Galeta and Vincent Kolbe.

The event takes place at the Cape Town International convention centre. For more details including programme and ticket prices see www.capetownjazzfest.com.