Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek Announces Star DJ Line-Up for Historic African Debut

The inaugural edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek presented by Nedbank has announced an impressive line-up of DJs, vinyl selectors and music curators who will perform alongside major live acts during the highly anticipated event. This announcement strengthens an already powerful programme and highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing a wide spectrum of contemporary music culture. The event represents the first time the iconic Montreux Jazz Festival brand will take place on African soil, bringing global musical heritage to South Africa while celebrating the richness of local talent. Organisers have carefully selected artists who are respected not only as performers but also as tastemakers with deep knowledge of music history and culture. Their inclusion ensures that festival audiences will experience a vibrant mix of sounds, genres and dancefloor energy throughout the weekend.

The DJ and selector programme features some of the most respected figures in South Africa’s music scene. The line-up includes acclaimed artists such as DJ Zinhle, DJ Kent, Kay Faith, Trev The Japanese, Lelowhatsgood, DJ Mighty, DJ Kenzhero, Charles Leonard, CandyFlip and the collaborative pairing of Cassiem Latief and Leighton Moody. Also joining the programme are the collective Homie.Lover.Friend, selector Nelee and vinyl enthusiast That Guy S’bu, alongside Europe-based DJ Rosey Gold. Together these artists represent a broad cross-section of contemporary South African music culture. Their sets draw from genres including jazz, soul, house, hip hop, rare groove and vinyl-based listening traditions. The variety within the programme reflects the evolving soundscape of modern African music.

Festival founder Mark Goedvolk explained that the inclusion of DJs and selectors aligns with the long-standing philosophy of the Montreux brand. According to Goedvolk, South Africa has produced some of the most talented DJs in the world and recognising their craft was a natural decision for the festival. He emphasised that Montreux has always been about discovery and exploration rather than limiting itself to a single genre. The festival’s approach aims to celebrate music in all its forms and give recognition to artists who shape cultural conversations through sound. DJs and selectors play a crucial role in that process because they introduce audiences to new sounds while preserving musical heritage. By placing these artists on equal footing with headline performers, the festival acknowledges their influence in shaping modern music culture.

Programming curator Lindsay Rhoda also highlighted the importance of selectors within the global music ecosystem. Many DJs function as musical historians who dig deep into archives of vinyl and digital recordings to connect generations of sound. Their work often bridges different eras, styles and communities, allowing listeners to experience music in unexpected ways. At the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek they are not included simply to fill performance slots. Instead they are recognised as exceptional curators whose artistry contributes directly to the identity of the festival. Their carefully crafted sets help build a dynamic environment where audiences can explore music beyond traditional concert formats.

Throughout the festival weekend, these DJs will animate multiple spaces across the event grounds. Some performances will take place at The Arches Stage, where energetic DJ sets will keep crowds moving between live concerts. Other experiences will occur at the intimate Jazz Village, where vinyl listening sessions and curated sound explorations will invite audiences to slow down and appreciate the depth of recorded music. This design creates a continuous musical journey from the moment the gates open until the final set each evening. Attendees will move between stages while discovering new artists, dancing to familiar rhythms and exploring diverse sonic landscapes. The format reflects the festival’s goal of building a living soundscape that evolves throughout the weekend.

Several standout names bring particular excitement to the DJ programme. DJ Zinhle continues to dominate the African dance music scene with her signature Afro house sound and commanding stage presence. DJ Kent remains one of the pioneers of South African house music with a catalogue that has influenced dance floors for years. Vinyl collectors like Charles Leonard and CandyFlip bring deep musical knowledge and eclectic record collections that span decades of global sounds. Meanwhile artists such as Kay Faith contribute a unique blend of hip hop production expertise and musical curation. Their presence highlights the festival’s belief that modern music culture is shaped just as much by DJs and selectors as by instrumentalists and vocal performers.

The festival also plays an important role in cultural development and economic growth within the Western Cape. Ricardo Mackenzie, the province’s Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, emphasised that events like this generate more than entertainment value. They create employment opportunities, support local artists and attract international attention to South Africa’s creative industries. Large cultural gatherings help strengthen tourism while also providing platforms for emerging talent to reach global audiences. By hosting such events, the region positions itself as a hub for music, culture and innovation. The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek therefore contributes to both artistic celebration and economic progress.

The festival will take place from 27 to 29 March 2026 in the scenic town of Franschhoek in the Western Cape. Known internationally for its wine estates, culinary excellence and vibrant arts scene, the Franschhoek Valley provides a fitting setting for a global music gathering of this scale. The event blends world-class performances with immersive cultural experiences that celebrate African creativity and international collaboration. Alongside headline acts such as Robert Glasper, Ezra Collective, Róisín Murphy, Salif Keita and Thandiswa Mazwai, the DJ programme ensures the festival remains alive with music across every moment of the weekend. The combination of international stars and African innovators reflects the spirit of global artistic exchange that defines Montreux.

The arrival of the Montreux Jazz Festival in South Africa marks a historic milestone for African music culture. By blending live performances with curated DJ experiences, the festival creates an environment where discovery and creativity thrive. The carefully selected DJs and selectors ensure that audiences encounter a wide range of sounds that reflect the diversity of contemporary music. Their performances will keep energy levels high while also introducing listeners to new musical ideas and traditions. As the inaugural edition approaches, the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek stands ready to deliver a unique celebration of music, culture and artistic collaboration on African soil.