Thandeka Dladla to Close Jazzy Sundowner Sessions Ahead of Cape Town International Jazz Festival

As excitement builds for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), citywide activations are creating memorable musical moments beyond the main stage. On 27 February 2026, singer, composer, and songwriter Thandeka Dladla will headline the final Jazzy Sundowner Session at Van Ryn’s Distillery and Brandy Cellar. The event celebrates local talent while offering the scenic beauty of the Cape Winelands as a backdrop, providing audiences with an intimate and immersive jazz experience. Dladla’s performance highlights her growing influence in South Africa’s jazz scene and marks a fitting conclusion to the series.

Over the past few years, Thandeka Dladla has steadily built her reputation as one of South Africa’s most compelling jazz voices. Her appearance in Stellenbosch comes at a time when her presence on national stages continues to expand, offering festival-goers a chance to connect with her music in a relaxed and personal setting. The Jazzy Sundowner Sessions are designed to give audiences a slower, more reflective experience, focusing on connection and nuance rather than large-scale spectacle. The previous session headlined by Don Vino sold out quickly, setting high expectations for Dladla’s closing performance.

Van Ryn’s Distillery and Brandy Cellar has emerged as a premier venue for live music in Cape Town. Its historic cellar provides a refined yet welcoming environment for performances, combining the intimacy of smaller shows with the quality of world-class acoustics. In collaboration with CTIJF, the venue has hosted a series of evenings that showcase the past, present, and future of music. Each event strengthens Van Ryn’s reputation as a destination for thoughtfully curated live experiences, where audiences can enjoy music while soaking in the historic and natural surroundings.

The final Jazzy Sundowner Session allows festival-goers to experience Thandeka Dladla’s artistry in a setting built for connection. Her set promises to capture the essence of her growing legacy in jazz, combining technical skill with emotional depth. The evening also demonstrates how CTIJF’s influence extends beyond its main stages, fostering community engagement and highlighting local talent across Cape Town. Attendees can expect an evening of sunset performances, attentive listening, and a celebration of jazz’s evolving presence in South Africa.

Event details for the final session are as follows: the performance takes place on 27 February 2026 from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets are available via Howler and include entry, live music, and a picnic per person. Beverages will be available for purchase, and the venue operates on a fully cashless basis. This final Jazzy Sundowner Session promises a memorable close to the pre-festival celebrations, offering both a rich musical experience and a connection to the scenic charm of the Cape Winelands.