Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA), presented by Nedbank (27 – 29 March 2026), has unveiled a powerful new wave of artist announcements, confirming an exceptional programme across its two core performance hubs – The Arches Main Stage (at the monument) and the intimate Jazz Village housed in Franschhoek’s historic church.

Blending global heavyweights, pioneering African voices, genre-defying innovators and rising talent, the newly announced line-up reinforces MJFSA’s positioning as a boutique, hospitality-led festival rooted in deep listening, cultural exchange and world-class artistry.

Mark Goedvolk, Founder of MJFSA: “Bringing the Montreux Jazz Festival to Africa has never been about replication – it has been about re-imagining what this legendary platform can become when rooted in African creativity, excellence and storytelling.  Franschhoek also provides the perfect canvas for sharing something intimate, meaningful, and globally resonant.

“It is against this backdrop that this exceptional programme will be delivered, and I am grateful to our team, our partners and to all who have walked this path with us, and who continue to inspire what we are building.”

 

 

THE ARCHES MAIN STAGE – FRIDAY

Already announced is The Kesivan amaBig Band Experience, led by South African drummer and composer Kesivan Naidoo. Joining this opening night are:

  • Brother Kujenga (SA) – a powerful collaboration between The Brother Moves On and Kujenga, fusing Afro-futurism, soul, spoken word and experimental rock into a politically and spiritually charged live experience.
  • Wet Wet Wet (UK) – an iconic Scottish pop band behind global hits such as “Love Is All Around,” delivering timeless, melody-driven pop anthems.
  • Róisín Murphy (Ireland) – acclaimed Irish electronic and art-pop innovator known for her bold stagecraft, avant-garde style and genre-defying sound.

 

THE ARCHES MAIN STAGE – SATURDAY

Saturday opens with The Ploemies and Friends (SA), a joyous, groove-led collective rooted in Cape jazz traditions, community spirit and improvisation, before continuing with already announced:

  • Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence, Mandisi Dyantyis and Salif Keita and welcoming:
  • Thandiswa Mazwai (SA) – cultural icon and genre-crossing artist whose work fuses Afro-soul, Xhosa tradition, funk and electronic textures.
  • Ezra Collective (UK) – Mercury Prize-winning UK jazz phenomenon known for explosive live energy and Afro-diasporic groove.
  • Robert Glasper with special guest, Bilal (US) – two architects of modern jazz and neo-soul in a landmark collaboration, spectacularly closing the night.

 

 

JAZZ VILLAGE – FRIDAY

Friday at the Jazz Village features:

  • Madala Kunene & Sibusisle Xaba (SA)
  • Kesivan & The Lights ft Swiss Africa Horns & special guest BONJ – presenting a distinctly different repertoire to the big band, revealing Kesivan Naidoo’s depth and versatility as a composer and bandleader (SA/Europe)
  • Stacey Kent (US) – Grammy-nominated vocalist celebrated for her elegant phrasing and timeless interpretations of jazz and chanson.
  • Ramon Alexander Trio featuring Buddy Wells (SA) – Stellenbosch-based pianist and composer whose work bridges classic jazz vocabulary and modern expression, joined by acclaimed saxophonist Buddy Wells, known for his warm tone, melodic sensibility and deep roots in South African jazz.

“Every artist on this programme has been chosen for their ability to move audiences – emotionally, spiritually and musically,” says music and programming curator, Lindsay Rhoda. “We wanted to honour jazz’s legacy while also showcasing where the music is going, particularly through African voices shaping the future.  From deeply intimate Jazz Village performances to powerful moments on The Arches stage, this line-up offers discovery, celebration and connection.”

JAZZ VILLAGE – SATURDAY

Saturday continues with:

  • Kwanti Leeh!
  • Home at Last: A Tribute to Bheki Mseleku, presented by Gareth Lockrane and Bokani Dyer (SA) – a moving homage to the late South African jazz visionary.
  • “A Kind of Blue” (US) – a Miles Davis centenary celebration featuring Eddie Henderson, Javon Jackson, Donald Harrison, George Colligan, Buster Williams and Lenny White, honouring the legacy of Miles Davis and one of the most influential albums in jazz history.
  • Msaki presents ENTROPY: The Heart as an Echo Chamber ft Jesse Clegg (SA) – an intimate, soul-stirring collaboration exploring love, vulnerability and renewal. and;
  • The Kyle Shepherd Trio (SA) – Cape Town pianist Kyle Shepherd’s deeply lyrical trio (Benjamin Jephta, Jono Sweetman join him for this performance), exploring modern jazz, minimalism and African resonance.

 

On 29 March, the three-day festival concludes with a Sunday Slowdown, taking place along the Montreux Mile – Huguenot Street. While The Arches and Jazz Village Church stages will not be active, the festival spirit continues with a series of un-ticketed music performances across the town. The Jazz Village precinct will remain a vibrant hub, featuring public bars, food vendors, and a ‘wine down’ supported by some of the Valley’s most notable vignerons (small surcharge). This is a day to truly experience all that Franschhoek is celebrated for.

 

Buli Ndlovu, Executive Head of Personal and Private Banking Marketing, Nedbank, remarked that: “Nedbank is proud to be part of this inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek and to support a platform that places African artistry at the centre of a global cultural conversation.

“Music has the power to unite, inspire and uplift, and this festival reflects our commitment to investing in initiatives that create shared value for artists, audiences and communities.”

Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek represents the first African edition of the legendary Swiss festival and is designed as an intimate, premium experience with limited capacity.

Further programme announcements to follow.  Jazz Village tickets will go live on Ticketmaster from 11H00 on 19th February 2026.

For premium hospitality information, please reach out to: hospitality@mjfsa.com

For tickets, please see:  Ticketmaster.co.za

 

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