First African edition of Montreux Jazz Festival set for Franschhoek

As the days draw closer to the very first Montreux Jazz Festival African edition, curators of the event say that jazz lovers should anticipate a specially curated experience that draws from global acts and highlights local talent.

The globally acclaimed jazz-inspired, multi-genre festival will offer attendees a blend of international acts, local stars, art, food and wine against the picturesque town of Franschhoek.

MJF’s jazz team member Kaz Handerson explained the criteria used when selecting artists for the festival.

“So, we looked for musicians who are pushing boundaries, building audiences and contributing meaningfully to the global conversation,” Handerson said.

“Another key criterion for us was what we call complementarity. The programme needed to feel cohesive and not like two parallel line-ups of international and local artists.

“But one integrated artistic statement. It’s not about quotas; it’s about creating a programme that feels both globally credible and authentically rooted here in South Africa.”

THE HISTORY OF MONTREUX

Over nearly six decades, the Montreux Jazz Festival has hosted some of the world’s most celebrated musicians, including Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Prince and Lionel Richie.

Founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs in Montreux, the festival has grown into a global cultural institution celebrating diverse performers and musical traditions.

Handerson said every edition of the festival seeks to uphold its longstanding ethos.

“The Montreux Jazz Festival has always stood for musical integrity and courageous programming. It’s synonymous with excellence and exists at the intersection of genres, cultures and generations, which I think our line-up really demonstrates,” he said.

“The central vision for the Franschhoek edition was to honour that legacy while allowing this African chapter to develop its own distinct identity.”

CURATING THE AFRICAN CHAPTER

Festival organisers said the line-up was carefully curated to strike a balance between global icons and local talent, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Cape Winelands town.

Handerson said they were intentional about ensuring the African edition reflects the region's sound and culture.

“It was very intentional not to simply import a European festival template,” he said.

“Instead, we asked: what does Montreux sound like in this landscape? And I think the line-up reflects that thinking.”

The programme includes global artists such as Salif Keita, American pianist Robert Glasper, and South African music icon Thandiswa Mazwai.

Handerson said the festival also aims to create space for emerging artists.

“So we brought in international artists with established global credibility, musicians aligned with Montreux standards while ensuring that South African artists shaping today’s jazz and contemporary sound are equally centred,” he said.

Festival partner Nedbank’s Buli Ndlovu said the platform allows South African artists to showcase their work on a global stage.

“We have a rich cultural heritage, and being part of something that puts that heritage and history onto the global stage is a privilege that we at Nedbank don’t take for granted,” Ndlovu said.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE FESTIVAL

The three-day event, running from 27 to 29 March, will feature two main stages, The Arches and Jazz Village.

In addition to live performances, organisers say the festival will host masterclasses and workshops.

“There will be masterclasses and workshops in the town hall,” Handerson said.

“The whole town will be activated. We’re presenting it as a walking festival, and the corridor of Huguenot Street becomes what we call the Montreux Mile.”

Ndlovu said the festival will also create opportunities for emerging artists.

“We’re bringing in artists from all corners of the country. Some are up-and-coming artists we may not even have heard of before, who could never dream of performing on a stage like this.

“But connecting them creates opportunities, and who knows what collaborations could emerge from it.”

Handerson said the festival is designed to be both vibrant and reflective.

“I think people can be excited to come and experience something new,” he said.

“This is about deep listening. It’s about relaxing. It’s absolutely going to be a party.

“But it’s also an opportunity to slow down and really listen. It’s unhurried; you’re not rushing from one place to another. You can sit comfortably and take in the music.”