Jacob Collier is coming to South Africa for the first time early next year, and he’s taking on the famous Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Cape Town, South Africa (17 December 2025) – Jacob Collier isn’t really the kind of musician you’ll hear on the radio. He’s more the type you’d discover through a friend who says, ‘trust me, watch this,’ and then sends you down a very happy internet rabbit hole.
He’s colourful, sort of an oddball (in the very best way) and impressive in what he can do with just his voice alone. Jacob first became known for his YouTube videos over a decade ago, where he recorded dozens of acapella harmonies with himself, reworking popular songs by Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Frankie Valli and many more.
The late Quincy Jones, one of the world’s greatest musicians, first spotted Jacob online and famously called him a once-in-a-generation talent, which tends to open a few doors.
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Since then, Collier has shaped one of the most unique careers in music.
He sings, plays almost every instrument you can think of, arranges orchestras, produces albums and collaborates with artists from around the world. His sound shifts between orchestral, folk, jazz, electronic and pop.
Jacob’s first four albums each earned Grammys and he now sits with seven in total, all in different categories. But awards aren’t really the point with him. What people generally love most is how Collier performs. At live shows, he brings the audience into the music.
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Now South African fans have the chance to experience that musical genius in action!
Collier has been announced as one of several headliners at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2026, bringing his latest album, The Light For Days, to the Mother City’s stage.
The event, taking place on 27 and 28 March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, will see Collier share the stage with a line-up of international jazz names (Yellowjackets!) along with South African greats and exciting upcoming talent.
We’ll leave you with some of Collier’s festive vibes.
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