BLACK COFFEE AND NDUDUZO MAKHATHINI BRING DOWN THE HOUSE AT CTIJF 2025

In a spectacular closing act that will resonate in the hearts of music lovers for months and years to come, Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini took to the Kippies stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) last night. 

Their performance, marked by a rich tapestry of sound, celebrated their musical journey and left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance. It was one of the final performances of the night, but die-hard fans, and jazz enthusiasts from all over the world, were happy to wait until the early hours of this morning to watch the show of their lives.

Leading up to the festival, Black Coffee expressed his excitement in an X Space hosted by Vokzman, stating that this performance had been a "long-held dream".

After a long period of meticulous planning, his aspirations turned into reality, and the outcome was nothing short of phenomenal.  

Indeed, the night proved their readiness in every note played. 

The concert was not just a duet; it was an ensemble of talented musicians, including Busi, Mondli Ngcobo, and Msaki, who added depth and dynamic flair to the performance. 

The eclectic performance also featured an impressive array of instrumentation - from the rich sounds of an orchestra to the exhilarating rhythms of horns and percussion. 

Danceable grooves met lush arrangements as they opened their set with the soulful anthem “Ndod'emnyama” by Coffee featuring Samthing Soweto. It was a show-stopping beginning that instantly signalled their shared musical synergy.

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly their rendition of Kabza De Small’s “Khusela” alongside Msaki, a moment that had the crowd swaying and singing along.

It was a night that showcased the unique synergy between Coffee and Makhathini, their shared history echoing through each song. The two first crossed paths at Technikon Natal in Durban, where their passion for jazz took root, eventually leading to memorable collaborations. 

With both artists boasting international accolades, their growing body of work reflects a deep-rooted commitment to their craft. Though they have pursued individual touring schedules, the chemistry and understanding they share have allowed them to create music together that resonates with fans worldwide. 

Their partnership has evolved organically, with their most notable collaboration being found on Coffee’s acclaimed release, “Music is King”, which features Makhathini on the track “Muye”. 

Coffee and Makhathini closed their show strongly, elevating the spirit of CTIJF to new heights. 

And the fans roared.

2025-04-26T08:17:16Z