Cape Town - It was a night of brotherhood, sisterhood and general "gees" as the jazz festival truly came into its own on Saturday night with a host of feel-good shows.
If Friday night was good, then last night topped it by being a true weekend night with a supremely relaxed crowd.
Moving from one stage to the next, there were many highlights and many proudly South African moments. Simphiwe Dana stunned with an amazing performance and a first - her 13-piece all woman band - which showed what woman power can do to up the music stakes - from exquisite flute playing; to supreme sax, drums, bass guitar playing - you name it - all beautifully orchestrated and synchronised.
The audience seemed to know every song by heart and sang and danced and clapped along to the many favourites. Dana also used the stage as a platform to make a call for woman's rights and heeding a call for peace and harmony in this centennial year of Madiba.
Award-winning British songstress Corinne Bailey Rae was absolutely spot on with her slick performance - with the audience eating out of hand as she delivered a stunning performance of the hits that have made her famous in that silky, soulful voice of hers.
There was an extremely moving tribute to jazz legend Hugh Masekela that produced many tears and strong feeling of emotion in the packed auditorium as Putuma Tiso, Tshepo Tshola and Selema Masekela among others performed in his honour.
Ethiopian Mulatu Astatke's unique brand of traditional music fused with jazz was well-received to say the least by an ecstatic audience; so was Claire Phillips and jazz veteran Feya Faku.
As festival director Billy Domingo said before the show, "music is the great narrator of the times".
Music is also the great equaliser and brings people together and the festival amply demonstrated this fact. Thousands came to the CTICC over the last two days to watch, listen and enjoy 41 shows. Roll on 2019 CTIJF!