The legendary Montreux Jazz Festival will make its African debut in Franschhoek later this month, announcing an all-star line-up of DJs and vinyl selectors who celebrate South Africa’s vibrant music culture.
Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, presented by Nedbank, has curated an impressive roster including DJ Zinhle, DJ Kent, Kay Faith, That Guy S’bu and DJ Khenzhero, among others. The line-up spans jazz, soul, house, hip-hop and rare groove, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse contemporary sounds.
“South Africa has produced some of the best DJs in the world and honouring their craft at this festival was the natural thing to do,” said festival founder Mark Goedvolk. “Montreux has always been about more than a single genre or format; it’s about the discovery of music in all its forms.”
The carefully-selected artists include Trev The Japanese, Lelowhatsgood, DJ Mighty, Homie.Lover.Friend, Nelee, Charles Leonard, CandyFlip, collaborators Cassiem Latief and Leighton Moody, and Europe-based Rosey Gold. They will perform across multiple festival spaces, from intimate vinyl sessions at the Jazz Village to high-energy sets on The Arches stage.
Music and programming curator Lindsay Rhoda emphasised their cultural significance: “DJs and vinyl selectors play a crucial role in contemporary music culture. Many are extraordinary musical historians, connecting genres, eras and communities. They are exceptional curators of sound, not just space-fillers.”
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie highlighted the festival’s broader impact: “Festivals such as this create jobs, grow local artistic skills and showcase South Africa’s talent globally. We’re proud to support events driving both culture and economic opportunity.”
The three-day festival runs from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March, marking the first time the Swiss-born festival stages on African soil. The DJ programme ensures continuous musical discovery, keeping audiences engaged from opening to closing each day. Beyond headline performances, the curators will animate the entire festival experience, creating what organisers describe as a “living soundscape” that celebrates contemporary music culture’s full spectrum.
• For more information and the full programme, visit www.mjfsa.com.
