Cape Town International Jazz Festival goes ahead, despite withdrawal of Abdullah Ibrahim

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) has announced that Abdullah Ibrahim has withdrawn from his planned performance at this year's festival. 

The legendary artist's decision was taken in light of concerns around travelling, due to the coronavirus according to organisers.

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In a statement released to the press, the festival said: "We respect the decision taken by the artist, and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival remains committed to bringing the best in jazz and jazz-related music to the Mother City. 

According to Festival Director Billy Domingo, the event will be going ahead as planned on 27 and 28 March 2020 at the CTICC, and a replacement will be announced: "as soon as possible,". 

Festival management is working with the respective bodies – such as Western Cape Department of Health, Wesgro and Cape Town Tourism – and it is worth noting that at this time no travel advisory has been issued against travel to South Africa.