Aweh… Cape Town International Jazz Festival welcomes Lordkez to the stage
Lordkez
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“Aweh… and if you move like a thug, baby I won’t judge, give me a kiss and a hug, dala what you must… aweh, ngithi ngihamba nawe…”
These are the kinds of lyrics that have fans singing along at the top of their lungs and exactly the kind of energy you can expect at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
For Lordkez, an artist stepping confidently into the spotlight, being part of the CTIJF lineup is more than just another performance; it's the realisation of a long-held dream.
“It is an honour to be performing at CTIJF, it has always been a dream of mine to be on that stage,” she said. “I spent a year or two studying in Cape Town and this fest was always something I would quietly dream about performing at one day.”
Known for her smooth, genre-blending sound, Lordkez has built a loyal following with songs that effortlessly fuse R&B, soul and jazz influences with a modern, alternative edge. Over the past 18 months, she said, she has truly come into her own musically.
“I have found more of what my sound is… I would say the best way to describe what I bring to the stage is music that is based off R&B/Soul with a Jazz/Hip-Hop and Neo influence nostalgic and fresh,” she explained. “I have blended the music that inspired me growing up with the modern takes of my generation.”
For those seeing her live for the first time, audiences can expect a performance rooted in passion, connection and intention.
“I think audiences can expect me to give my very best. I love performing and I love singing for people that love music and support me,” she said. “My shows are very well put together, my band is great and I love singing my love songs and dancing with everyone there.”
It’s this emotional honesty that defines her artistry. Whether she’s writing about love, growth or fleeting feelings, Lordkez draws deeply from her own life.
“I am inspired by my experiences mostly… other times it might be a single feeling that I personify,” she said. “I am a sponge that mostly absorbs everything around me. I just need to stay present as often as possible.”
Off stage, she remains deeply plugged into South Africa’s ever-evolving music scene, one she believes is unmatched.
“I love South African music - we are the best in the world,” she said. “I’ve been listening to Shekhinah’s new album a lot. She inspires me. I also like Loatinover Pounds, he’s my favourite rapper right now and I’m excited about Marcus Harvey and ZuluMecca’s new projects.”
Festivals like CTIJF, she adds, offer something special a chance to connect across audiences and energy.
“The best part about performing at festivals is you get to introduce yourself to new music lovers, and you also get to perform for people that already love your music,” she said. “It’s a great mix of energy and makes the performance layered.”
And while her rise may feel sudden to some, for Lordkez, the past year has been nothing short of transformative.
“To be honest, I have been living in a ‘is this really happening for me’ state for about 12 months now,” she reflected. “My whole life changed in one year and I couldn’t be more grateful… I am truly humbled and will keep doing my best to fly our flag as high as I can.”