The world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival is officially coming to Africa, and the first artists for its debut in Franschhoek have now been announced.
Set to take place from 27 to 29 March 2026, the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA) marks the first time the iconic Swiss-born festival will be staged on African soil. Organisers say the local edition will be shaped by African identity, global collaboration and a focus on musical depth rather than scale.
Big names for The Arches stage
Leading the first wave of artists on The Arches, the festival’s main outdoor stage, is legendary Malian singer Salif Keita, widely known as The Golden Voice of Africa. With a career spanning more than five decades, Keita’s appearance is being described as a rare and powerful moment for the inaugural event.
Joining him is acclaimed South African trumpeter and composer Mandisi Dyantyis, whose emotionally rich and genre-blending sound represents a new generation of African jazz voices.
The programme also features Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence, a special collaboration bringing together celebrated musicians Moss Mogale and Vusi Mahlasela. Created specifically for the festival, the performance promises a blend of storytelling, heritage and musical virtuosity.
Another standout production is The Kesivan amaBig Band Experience, led by South African drummer and composer Kesivan Naidoo. The 26-piece ensemble, made up of South African and European musicians, will reinterpret Amapiano through the sound of a large acoustic jazz band. Vocalists Boohle, Stogie T and BONJ will feature in the performance.
Intimate sounds at Jazz Village
The festival’s Jazz Village stage, hosted at the NG Church Complex, will offer a more intimate setting focused on musical exploration and close-up listening.
Among the first confirmed acts is a cross-generational collaboration between Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba, blending traditional maskandi guitar with contemporary, experimental sounds.
Also on the bill is Kwanti Leeh!, featuring respected jazz musicians Herbie Tsoaeli, Andile Yenana, Ayanda Sikade and Sisonke Xonti.
Artistic curator Lindsay Rhoda says Jazz Village is designed as a space where artists can take creative risks and audiences can fully immerse themselves in the music.
A new chapter for Montreux
Festival founder Mark Goedvolk says the first announcement reflects Montreux’s long-standing legacy while placing African artists at the centre of the global conversation.
The 2026 edition will run across two main venues, with performances scheduled from lunchtime until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Sunday will feature a more relaxed programme as part of a “Sunday Slowdown” experience.
Tickets for The Arches stage are now available via Ticketmaster, while Jazz Village tickets will go on sale once the full line-up is announced. Further artist announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit www.mjfsa.com
