The legendary Montreux Jazz Festival has completed the programme for its first African edition, adding Grammy-winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway, singer-songwriter Matt Hansen, Armenian pianist Tigran Hamasyan and local ensemble Caleb Dlamini & Friends to the line-up.
The inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek will take place from 27 to 29 March in the Franschhoek valley, marking the Swiss-born festival’s debut on the continent.
Hathaway will join Robert Glasper and special guest Bilal for a live collaboration during the three-day event, which features almost 40 global and African artists across multiple stages in the Cape winelands valley.
Hansen, whose music has earned him millions of followers across TikTok and streaming platforms, will perform at The Arches stage on Friday evening. His contemporary sound is expected to attract younger audiences discovering the festival for the first time.
Hamasyan, who won the 2003 Solo Piano Competition of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation, will perform at the Jazz Village stage on Friday in an historic church in the town. The Armenian pianist and composer has established himself as one of the most innovative musicians of his generation since his competition win.
The final announcement includes Caleb Dlamini & Friends, a young collective from Franschhoek led by 17-year-old drummer Caleb Dlamini. The ensemble represents the next generation of South African musicians shaping the country’s jazz landscape.
Dlamini’s musical education has been supported by FRANCO, the festival’s legacy partner, through access to instruments and training. The band also features 13-year-old saxophone player Graigan Papier, who is being developed through Franschhoek’s Uncorked Music Academy and will make a cameo appearance with Kesivan Naidoo’s amaBig Band Experience.
Festival co-founder Raffaella Goedvolk said the final programme captures the spirit of Montreux. “What excites us most about this final programme is the meeting of generations – from globally celebrated artists to young musicians like Caleb Dlamini who represent the future of South African jazz,” she said.
“That has always been the magic of Montreux: extraordinary artists, unexpected collaborations and the feeling that something special can happen at any moment.”
Buli Ndlovu, executive head of personal and private banking marketing at Nedbank, said the festival represents an important cultural milestone. “Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek is more than a music event, it is a cultural moment,” he said.
“It celebrates creativity, connection, and the extraordinary depth of talent we have in South Africa and across the world. As Nedbank, we are proud to support an initiative that brings global artistry to our shores while creating meaningful opportunities for emerging musicians who represent the future of our creative economy.”
The festival will unfold across stages and spaces in the valley, combining live performances, DJs and vinyl selectors with food, wine and cultural experiences.
Park and ride transport options are available from various destinations in Cape Town and the winelands. Travel partner Tourvest is providing accommodation and transfer assistance through a dedicated website at //www.tourvestdm.com/mjf/..
The festival includes an un-ticketed Sunday Slowdown event. Further information is available at http://www.mjfsa.com/
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