Fodor's Expert Review Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Music, especially jazz and African music, was an extremely potent instrument for social change during the oppressive apartheid regime. South Africans remain passionate about music, and they celebrate their love of jazz with the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, usually held in late March or early April. Started in 1999, this event is arguably the best weekend of the year in Cape Town. There's an even mix of local and international stars, and past festivals have included the likes of Randy Crawford; Abdullah Ibrahim; Hugh Masekela; Ismael Lo; Earth, Wind & Fire; and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.