In a time when the arts sector demands not only creativity but courage and strategy, the Cape Town Arts Festival (CTAF) is fortunate to be led by someone who embodies all three. Yusuf Ganief, CTAF’s Chief Executive Officer, is more than an arts administrator—he is a visionary with a legacy rooted in transformation, social impact, and cultural empowerment.

With over 30 years of experience in business management and nearly two decades in the creative industries, Yusuf is not new to rebuilding and reimagining. His journey began long before he took the helm at CTAF. He cut his teeth as a financial and business consultant in the corporate world, then made a bold shift into the heart of the arts sector, where he’s remained a driving force for cultural change ever since.

From Restructuring to Rebranding: A Strategic Leader

Yusuf first led the Cape Town Festival from 2003 to 2007, increasing its income from R1.3 million to over R4 million annually through solid business planning and innovative event design. Under his leadership, the number of festival events ballooned from 30 to 145, and media value surged from R5 million to R22 million. These weren’t just numbers—they were opportunities: for artists, for vendors, for communities.

In 2021, post-COVID, Yusuf rebranded the organization as the Cape Town Arts Festival (CTAF), with the full blessing of its founding board. His aim? To create a more inclusive and grassroots-focused platform that uplifts emerging creatives and centers the narratives of underserved communities.

A Visionary for Community-Based Arts

Since 2022, Yusuf has spearheaded a portfolio of powerful programmes: the Beyond Busking Project, the Events & Marketing Management Training Programme, the Artists for Artists Programme, the AIR Entrepreneur Project & Festival, and multiple community festivals across Langa and Khayelitsha. Under his guidance, CTAF has created over 600 income-generating opportunities, with more than 50% going to women and 75% to youth.

These aren’t just statistics. They represent real people whose lives and creative careers have been shaped through mentorship, upskilling, and access to platforms that matter.

The Artist Behind the Executive

What makes Yusuf truly unique is that he leads not only with spreadsheets and strategy—but with song. From 2008 to 2019, he toured over 20 countries as a universal world music singer and Peace Ambassador. His co-produced musical, Silence of the Music, received 5-star reviews for promoting cultural tolerance—earning acclaim from no less than the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Whether he’s managing festival logistics or performing at global peace forums, Yusuf brings authenticity and a human-centered approach to everything he does.

Legacy in Motion

As CTAF grows under his leadership, one thing is clear: Yusuf Ganief is building more than a festival. He is nurturing a movement—one where the arts are not an afterthought, but a bridge to employment, identity, and healing. His work reminds us that when business acumen meets cultural activism, transformation happens—not in theory, but on the ground.