Youngblood Africa Gallery in Cape Town hosted a cultural showcase linked to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. The event celebrates dance arts, music and live performances, and visual arts

Held ahead of the main festival weekend, the showcase transformed the gallery into a space where fashion, jazz heritage and contemporary artistic expression. The evening  feautured some of South Africa’s emerging and established designers. Designers like Simply Mooi, Moira Hurungo, House of Lefane, Malusi Malefane, Aelahn, Feroza Webster, Ruff Tung, Jacques LaGrange, Cathy and Helon Melon presented various collections. .

Photo: Instagram

Since its launch in 2000, the festival has grown into a global cultural event. Over the years, it has contributed to Cape Town’s reputation as an international hub.

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The event highlighted pioneers of South African jazz, including Abdullah Ibrahim. Youngblood Africa Gallery also hosted “The Jazz Legacy Collection,” a photography exhibition running as part of the festival’s visual arts programme.The event formed part of a wider series of cultural activities leading up to the festival.

Photo: Instagram

One of the headline designers, LaGrange, shared why he came to the event.

There has been a show before, but there hasn’t been any in the last couple of years. When they approached me, I said, ‘Yes, of course I’m going to do it because I love promoting new designers, I love to show what this country has to offer,’” he said.

LaGrange believes fashion and music are the way forward. “There are only two major fashion, film, and music events showcasing these talents, and we have to make the best of it,” he added.

Photo: Instagram

As the Cape Town International Jazz Festival continues to expand its cultural footprint, events like the Youngblood Africa Gallery show how the festival functions

At MXS Kulture Festival 2026, multiple brand activations were present across the festival grounds, but Crème of Nature distinguished itself through direct audience engagement. As the official hair partner, the brand aligned its products with how attendees wear and maintain their hair in everyday settings.

Photo Credit – Instagram

Instead of relying on static displays, the brand’s activation operated as a live styling station. Professional stylists worked directly with attendees, creating and adjusting hairstyles in real time. Hair styling was integrated into the wider festival environment, where music, fashion and street culture intersect.

The activation focused on textured hair across different styles, including braids, natural curls, protective styles and straight finishes. This reflected current preferences for versatility in hair styling, particularly among younger audiences who move between styles depending on occasion and maintenance needs.

Photo Credit – Instagram

Within the haircare industry, brands are increasingly expected to show relevance through practical engagement. At the festival, this was demonstrated through continuous styling sessions and direct interaction with attendees. Visitors were able to select styles based on personal preference while also observing current trends in festival hair.

There was also a clear educational component. Stylists provided guidance on hair maintenance, product use and routines suited to different hair types. This included discussions on maintaining protective styles, managing natural hair and selecting appropriate products for long-term care.

Photo Credit – Instagram

Festivals such as MXS Kulture continue to influence style choices and consumer awareness, particularly among urban audiences. By participating as an official partner, Crème of Nature engaged directly with a demographic that actively shapes hair trends and purchasing decisions.

The brand’s presence at the event demonstrates how live activations can support product visibility through practical use. Rather than focusing on display alone, the approach centred on service delivery and direct interaction with consumers.

Ella Mai will headline her first live shows in South Africa this April. The British artist will perform two concerts, giving local fans an opportunity to see her live.

Her South African run will start on 25 April 2026 at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West province. This performance is part of the Konka Kulture Weekend, a three-day music and lifestyle event. On 26 April 2026, she will be at the GrandWest Arena in Cape Town.

Ella Mai gained global recognition with Boo’d Up, a breakout single that dominated charts. After that success, she came up with tracks like Trip and Shot Clock.

Ella Mai Poster: Getty Images

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The Sun City appearance will place her alongside popular South African performers. The Konka Kulture Weekend lineup includes top artists in the country. Here are the confirmed performers sharing the stage with her:

• Sjava
• Nasty C
• Zee Nxumalo
• Scorpion Kings
• Uncle Waffles
• Oscar Mbo

This list shows the diversity in the country’s music scene and collaboration between international and local artists.

Ella Mai: Getty Images

Sun City Convention Centre Manager Nombuso Buthelezi has expressed her excitement about the event.

“As an iconic hosting destination, Sun City is proud to present yet another world-class event experience, thoughtfully curated to meet every guest’s expectations.

“We believe that music has a unique power to unite people, creating moments of connection that transcend the ordinary. It is our intention that long after the final note, guests will leave with unforgettable memories and stories worth sharing for years to come,” said Buthelezi.

Fans in the coastal city will have the chance to experience her stage presence in the arena. Tickets for both South African shows will be available via Webtickets and at Pick n Pay stores nationwide, with prices starting from R790.