Montreux Jazz Festival Lands in Africa: Star-Studded Line-up Unveiled
The legendary Montreux Jazz Festival makes its African debut with Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA), presented by Nedbank (27–29 March 2026), and the line-up is nothing short of spectacular. From global icons to African legends and rising stars, the festival promises three days of world-class music across The Arches Main Stage and the intimate Jazz Village.
This year’s roster features Robert Glasper, Bilal, Ezra Collective, Eddie Henderson, Javon Jackson, Donald Harrison, George Colligan, Buster Williams, Lenny White, Thandiswa Mazwai, Róisín Murphy, Stacey Kent, Wet Wet Wet and more—blending jazz, Afro-soul, electronic, pop, and experimental sounds into a truly global celebration.
Mark Goedvolk, founder of MJFSA, says:
“Bringing Montreux to Africa isn’t about copying the Swiss festival—it’s about re-imagining what this legendary platform can be when rooted in African creativity and storytelling. Franschhoek is the perfect setting for something intimate, meaningful and globally resonant.”
The Arches Main Stage Highlights
Friday:
- The Kesivan amaBig Band Experience (SA) opens the festival.
- Brother Kujenga (SA) delivers Afro-futurist, politically charged soul and experimental rock.
- Wet Wet Wet (UK) brings iconic pop hits like Love Is All Around.
- Róisín Murphy (Ireland) wows with her bold, genre-defying electronic and art-pop.
Saturday:
- The Ploemies & Friends (SA) kick off the day with Cape jazz grooves.
- Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence, Mandisi Dyantyis, Salif Keita (already announced).
- Thandiswa Mazwai (SA) fuses Afro-soul, Xhosa tradition, funk, and electronic textures.
- Ezra Collective (UK) delivers explosive, Afro-diasporic jazz energy.
- Robert Glasper & Bilal (US) close the night with a landmark neo-soul and jazz collaboration.
Jazz Village – Intimate Musical Journeys
Friday:
- Madala Kunene & Sibusisle Xaba (SA)
- Kesivan & The Lights ft Swiss Africa Horns & BONJ (SA/Europe)
- Stacey Kent (US) – Grammy-nominated jazz and chanson elegance.
- Ramon Alexander Trio ft Buddy Wells (SA) – Cape jazz meets contemporary sensibility.
Saturday:
- Kwanti Leeh!
- Home at Last: Tribute to Bheki Mseleku (SA) – performed by Gareth Lockrane & Bokani Dyer.
- “A Kind of Blue” Celebration (US) – honoring Miles Davis with Eddie Henderson, Javon Jackson, Donald Harrison, George Colligan, Buster Williams, and Lenny White.
- Msaki presents ENTROPY ft Jesse Clegg (SA) – soulful exploration of love and vulnerability.
- The Kyle Shepherd Trio (SA) – modern jazz with African resonance.
Sunday Slowdown: The festival wraps with un-ticketed performances along Montreux Mile – Huguenot Street, wine tastings, food vendors, and live music, letting visitors soak up Franschhoek’s charm in true festival style.
Buli Ndlovu, Nedbank Executive Head of Personal & Private Banking Marketing, adds:
“Nedbank is proud to support a festival that puts African artistry at the centre of a global conversation. Music unites, inspires, and uplifts—it’s what MJFSA embodies.”
Tickets for Jazz Village go live on Ticketmaster from 11:00 on 19 February 2026. For premium hospitality enquiries, email hospitality@mjfsa.com.
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