CTIJF to showcase 'The Jazz Legacy Collection' exhibition in March
A glimpse into the vibrant world of South African jazz captured through the lenses of Arthur Dlamini and Siphiwe Mhlambi at the CTIJF Jazz Photography Exhibition.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) has announced the return of the CTIJF Jazz Photography Exhibition as part of its 2026 cultural programme.
Hosted at the Youngblood-Africa Gallery in the heart of Bree Street, this landmark exhibition, titled “The Jazz Legacy Collection,” will offer an intimate, visual journey into the soul of South African jazz through the lenses of two of South Africa’s most celebrated photographers, Arthur Dlamini and Siphiwe Mhlambi. The exhibition is set to launch on March 5, 2026, and will be open to the public until March 30, 2026.
Launching on First Thursdays, March 5, 2026, the exhibition serves as a grand prelude to the CTIJF week (23–29 March), celebrating captured moments of South African Jazz Giants.
The Visionaries Behind the Lens: Presented by Arthur Dlamini and Siphiwe Mhlambi, “The Jazz Legacy Collection” brings together decades of archival and contemporary imagery.
Arthur Dlamini is renowned for his ability to capture the quiet, profound moments of musical intensity, often finding the “soul” behind the instrument.
Siphiwe Mhlambi, a veteran documentarian of the South African music scene, brings a kinetic energy to his work, freezing the passion of live performance into timeless art.
The CTIJF Jazz Photography Exhibition will introduce a Digital Catalogue on-site to improve accessibility for visitors. This initiative allows attendees to engage with the exhibition's images using their own devices. Titled “The Jazz Legacy Collection,” the exhibition will be held at the Youngblood-Africa Gallery, 70-72 Bree Street, Cape Town, from March 5 to March 30, 2026. Entry to the exhibition will be free.
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), Africa’s largest jazz festival, is celebrated annually in Cape Town. Now in its 23rd year, the festival features a diverse lineup of local and international talent, showcasing both world-renowned artists and emerging musicians across multiple stages at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The CTIJF Jazz Photography Exhibition opens at Youngblood-Africa Gallery, featuring works by photographers Arthur Dlamini and Siphiwe Mhlambi, showcasing the essence of South African jazz.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane
Beyond performances, the CTIJF hosts masterclasses, workshops, and over 40 community and cultural events throughout the year, promoting music education, accessibility, and community development.
Youngblood-Africa Gallery is a leading multidisciplinary space in Cape Town that supports the arts. By hosting "The Jazz Legacy Collection," the gallery continues its tradition of fostering cultural conversation and promoting artistic excellence.