Yes, yes, yes to the 14th Cape Town Jazz Festival

As you approach the Convention Centre you know that this is going to be big because there are big yellow road signs directing the various constituencies to parking places. Coen Steytler Road is blocked off and there are lots of traffic cops everywhere and lots of security people and fences all around the Convention Centre. Best you go in the proper entrance and have the correct ID; the CTICC is a big building to walk around!

Burning mphephu

The media centre is decorated with lots of Mr Price bright SA cushions and red and yellow buckets of proteas, and lots of food and drink, computers (of course) and lots of helpful media liaison people who whisk us in and out of the various shows with huge efficiency. The journalists come from everywhere! (I liked explaining to a journo from the US that Thandiswa Mazwai had been burning mphephu before her act.)

Then there are five stages with acts running from early evening until 1.30am on Friday and Saturday nights. And there are crowds and crowds of people. The Kippies venue is enormous and it was packed cheek to cheek (both kinds of cheeks) for Jill Scott and Jimmy Dludlu. The crowd came from far and wide, and there was lots of shine and heels and phones held up documenting every minute of the music. And the crowds sing along and shout and are there because they love jazz.

Some random bests:

• Mafikizolo for their stylish costumes and slick grooves. Nhlanhla Nciza looked ravishing in a pure white sticking-out tulle skirt, a close-fitting sequined halter-neck top and beads.
  
• The Arts and Culture Focus Super Band for young people who produce fabulous jazz and are only going to get better.
  
• The Orquestra Buena Vista Social Club - 12 musicians from Havana who brought the much-loved movie and CD to life.
  
• Jill Scott's act had the best backing musicians and dancers. They were so cute, energetic and looked as if they were having such a good time. And Jill Scott wasn't bad herself! Altogether a class act.
  
• Jimmy Dludlu for his energy, smile and spotted bow tie.
  
• Céu for being the sexiest singer in figure-hugging sequins.

I could go on. Well done to everyone who put it together: well done to the musicians, well done to Cape Town, well done to everyone who came and enjoyed the music. I can't wait for the 15th Jazz Festival next year. It's far too exciting a prospect to miss!