From 27–29 March 2026, the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek will stage its first African edition in the Cape Winelands. Founded in Switzerland in 1967, the Montreux Jazz Festival has hosted some of the greatest names in music – from Miles Davis and Nina Simone to Prince and David Bowie – becoming synonymous with musical excellence and iconic performances. Its arrival in Franschhoek marks the first time this legendary festival has been staged on African soil.
Rather than replicate the Swiss event, the Franschhoek edition has been designed as a boutique festival experience, set against the vineyards and historic streets of one of the country’s most celebrated food and wine destinations.
Across two primary venues – The Arches Main Stage at the Huguenot Monument and the intimate Jazz Village inside Franschhoek’s historic church – audiences will experience a programme that bridges continents, genres and generations. The line-up reflects the festival’s commitment to both legacy and innovation, featuring internationally acclaimed artists such as Robert Glasper with Bilal, Ezra Collective, Róisín Murphy and Stacey Kent, alongside influential African voices including Salif Keita, Thandiswa Mazwai, Mandisi Dyantyis and Msaki.
The programme also celebrates South Africa’s rich jazz heritage with performances from artists such as Kyle Shepherd Trio, Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba, as well as a special tribute to the late jazz visionary Bheki Mseleku.
Beyond the headline concerts, the festival will transform the village itself into a living soundscape. Vinyl selectors and DJs – including DJ Zinhle, DJ Kent and Kay Faith – will animate listening spaces and social hubs throughout the weekend, while Sunday’s relaxed ‘Sunday Slowdown’ invites visitors to explore free performances, local wines and the culinary culture of Franschhoek.
For founder Mark Goedvolk, the festival represents something far greater than a new event on the calendar. It is, he says, an opportunity to re-imagine the Montreux legacy through an African lens, celebrating creativity, collaboration and storytelling rooted in the continent.
Set in a valley renowned for its art, gastronomy and hospitality, the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek is poised to become a defining cultural gathering – one where global jazz heritage meets African soul, and where the Cape Winelands take their place on the international festival stage.
View the full festival line-up and book tickets.
