The picturesque Winelands town of Franschhoek is set to make musical history this March as it hosts the first African edition of the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival.
From Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March, global superstars including Grammy winner Robert Glasper, UK sensation Ezra Collective, Irish electronic artist Róisín Murphy, and Scottish pop icons Wet Wet Wet will share stages with South African legends like Thandiswa Mazwai and rising local talent.
The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, presented by Nedbank, promises an intimate, boutique experience across two main venues – The Arches Main Stage at the Huguenot Monument and the atmospheric Jazz Village housed in Franschhoek’s historic church.
Friday night highlights
The opening evening features Brother Kujenga, a powerful collaboration between The Brother Moves On and Kujenga, alongside Wet Wet Wet performing their classic hits including “Love Is All Around.” The Jazz Village will showcase Grammy-nominated vocalist Stacey Kent and local talents Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba.
Saturday’s line-up
Saturday promises the festival’s biggest moments with Mercury Prize-winning Ezra Collective bringing their explosive Afro-diasporic jazz, while cultural icon Thandiswa Mazwai will perform her genre-crossing fusion of Afro-soul and Xhosa tradition. The night closes with a landmark collaboration between modern jazz architects Robert Glasper and special guest Bilal.
The Jazz Village will present a Miles Davis centenary celebration featuring jazz legends Eddie Henderson, Javon Jackson, Donald Harrison, George Colligan, Buster Williams and Lenny White performing “A Kind of Blue,” plus an intimate tribute to late SA jazz visionary Bheki Mseleku.
Local focus
“Bringing Montreux to Africa has never been about replication – it’s about re-imagining what this legendary platform can become when rooted in African creativity,” says festival founder Mark Goedvolk.
The programme celebrates both established and emerging South African artists, including The Ploemies and Friends, Cape Town pianist Kyle Shepherd, and Msaki presenting her deeply personal “Entropy” project featuring Jesse Clegg.
Sunday wind-down
The festival concludes with a relaxed Sunday along Huguenot Street, featuring free performances throughout the town and wine tastings with local vignerons – perfect for experiencing everything Franschhoek offers.
“This festival reflects our commitment to investing in initiatives that create shared value for artists, audiences and communities,” says Buli Ndlovu from presenting partner Nedbank.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.co.za
Visit www.mjfsa.com for further information.
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