Everything You Need To Know About The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek Happening This Weekend

The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek has announced the first lineup of artists and more event details for the anticipated festival taking place from 27 – 28 March 2026.

The Franschhoek Wine Valley is set to make history as the first African destination of the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival. Since its inception in 1967, the festival has been a cultural cornerstone in the global music industry, held in the picturesque town of Montreux Switzerland, celebrated for its diverse musical line-up spanning jazz, blues, pop, and rock.

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African Artists Take Centre Stage

The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA), presented by Nedbank, announced the first phase of artists for its inaugural African edition, marking a defining cultural moment as one of the world’s most respected music festivals makes its debut on African soil.

This opening announcement reflects Montreux’s enduring commitment to artistic depth, global exchange and African excellence, presenting a programme that bridges generations, geographies and musical languages. From legendary voices to bold contemporary composers and unexpected collaborations, the first artists set the tone for a festival shaped by intention rather than scale.

The first artist announcement for the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek brings together African legends, leading contemporary voices and exclusive collaborations. Headlining the Arches main stage is Salif Keita, the iconic Malian artist known as the Golden Voice of Africa, alongside South African trumpeter and composer Mandisi Dyantyis, a defining figure in modern African jazz.

Also featured are Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence with Moss Mogale and Vusi Mahlasela, created especially for the festival, and The Kesivan amaBig Band Experience — a 26-piece South African–European collaboration reimagining Amapiano through a large acoustic jazz ensemble, with vocals by Boohle, Stogie T and BONJ.

The Jazz Village offers a more intimate programme, including a rare collaboration between maskandi master Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba, as well as ensemble Kwanti Leeh!, featuring Herbie Tsoaeli, Andile Yenana, Ayanda Sikade and Sisonke Xonti, representing the depth of South Africa’s contemporary jazz scene.

Emerging South African Talent Meets The World’s Top International Artists

Following an inspiring first visit to South Africa in January, during which the festival planning committee explored and scouted venues in Franschhoek, Montreux Jazz Festival organizers have confirmed the valley as the ideal location for their first festival in Africa in 2026. This announcement brings significant benefits to the region’s tourism industry, drawing international attention, creating local job opportunities, and delivering a remarkable celebration of the arts.

Mark Goedvolk, Founder of MJF Franschhoek, said that hosting the Festival in Franschhoek offers a unique opportunity to bridge cultural divides and create meaningful connections between emerging South African artists and the world’s top international artists and music industry leaders.

This new collaboration marks a historic moment as the first-ever African edition of our festival, said Mathieu Jaton, CEO of Montreux Jazz Festival.

In addition, the festival will partner with the Uncorked Music Academy at the local High School, reinforcing its commitment to education and cultural enrichment in the region. This collaboration resonates deeply with the mission of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation (MJAF)— a recognised non-profit dedicated to supporting emerging artists through talent-development programs and fostering musical exchange.

The Arches Main Stage Weekend Line Up

Located at the Monument, The Arches is the festival’s main stage – set against the mountains and framed by the vineyards of Franschhoek. It features a curated lineup of exceptional live artists and standout DJs, bringing together world-class performances and vibrant energy from day into night.

Cost: R2,250 – R24,150 | BOOK TICKETS

The Jazz Village Weekend Line Up

Located in the historic church in the centre of the village, the Jazz Village offers an intimate listening experience with performances from 3pm to midnight.

Saturday, 28 March Line Up: 2.15pm – Charles Leonard | 2.45pm – Kwanti Leeh! ft Herbie Tsoaeli, Andile Yenana, Ayanda Sikade, Sisonke Xonti | 4pm – Charles Leonard | 4.30pm – Home At Last: A Tribute To Bheki Mseleku presented by Gareth Lockrane and Bokani Dyer [A tribute to Bheki Mseleku | 5.45pm – Charles Leonard |. 6.30pm – A Kind Of Blue Acoustic Band | 7.45pm – Charles Leonard | 8.30pm – Msaki presents ENTROPY: The Heart as an Echo Chamber ft Jesse Clegg | 9.45pm – Charles Leonard | 10.15pm – Kyle Shepherd Trio

Cost: R350 – R850 | BOOK TICKETS

The Sunday Slowdown

On Sunday, 29 March, the three-day festival concludes with an unticketed Sunday Slowdown, taking place along the Montreux Mile along Huguenot Street.

While The Arches and Jazz Village Church stages will not be active on Sunday, the festival spirit continues with a series of un-ticketed music pop-up performances in the village.

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 experience all that Franschhoek is celebrated for. While the main festival stages pause, the spirit of Montreux continues, spilling into the streets, venues, and gathering spaces of the village.

Across the Church Street Stage and Heritage Square Stage, a curated lineup of artists will carry the day – Sima Mashazi & Nick Turner Collaboration, The Rivertones, Nomadic Orchestra, Major Voices Choir, Albert Frost, Uncorked Music Academy, Melorie Jane Quintet, Sinothando Arts & Culture Choir, Shen FM + Lee Thompson

With a special vinyl residency for the day from DJ Fred Spider, a longtime Montreux favourite, and & DJ Protectionspel.

The Montreux Jazz Stage Has Hosted Legends in the Music Industry

The Montreux Jazz Festival is renowned for its rich history and stunning venue on the shores of Lake Geneva, attracting nearly 250,000 music lovers each year. Its legacy includes iconic performances by music legends such as Prince, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Stevie Wonder, among many others. For almost 60 years, this legendary event has brought its unparalleled ambiance and line-up to cities around the globe, from Miami, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro.

Now, Franschhoek proudly joins this prestigious list, marking a monumental moment as the festival’s first-ever African venue, celebrating the synergy and unique blend of stunning natural landscapes and warm hospitality that exists between Montreux and Franschhoek.

Park and Ride

Get to and from the Montreux Jazz Festival in Franschhoek in the safest and most convenient way with the official Park and Ride service, proudly operated by Park and Ride SA.

The Park and Ride service is planned in conjunction with traffic management to provide a smooth, controlled and stress-free transport solution for festival attendees, while significantly reducing congestion and parking pressure in and around Franschhoek.

Show Tickets and Day Passes must be purchased separately. Park & Ride Tickets can be added to your Show Ticket purchase on Checkout. Ticket price is for a return ticket.

Access Points: Canal Walk, Somerset Mall and Eikestad Mall (Stellenbosch)