Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek hits a high note on debut

Switzerland’s renowned Montreux Jazz Festival made a successful African debut in the Cape Winelands on the last weekend of March. Presented by Nedbank, the inaugralMontreux Jazz Festival Franschhoekfeatured a three-day programme of musical performances and inspiring workshops. The event welcomed a diverse audience of local and international visitors, who moved between two primary performance venues — The Arches main stage and the more intimate Jazz Village — with the festival’s footprint extending along Huguenot Street, dubbed the “Montreux Mile” for the occasion.

As the weekend unfolded, word of mouth and social sharing translated into increased demand, with peak sessions and hospitality reaching full capacity. While the global Montreux name carries a near six-decade legacy, the Franschhoek edition established its own identity early on, defined by scale, setting and a deliberately curated, hospitality-led experience. The result was a festival that felt both premium and personal, with audiences engaging as much with the environment as with the music itself.

The integration of food, wine and local culture contributed to an experience that extended well beyond the stage — reinforcing Franschhoek’s position as a destination capable of hosting world-class, multi-dimensional events. “There was a particular energy across the weekend — one that built organically as people arrived, experienced it, and shared it,” said Mark Goedvolk, founder of Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek. “From the outset, our intention was not to replicate the Swiss Montreux, but to create something that reflects both the spirit of the brand and the character of Franschhoek.” The festival also created space for collaboration across generations and geographies, with established global artists sharing the programme with South African luminaries and emerging artists — a dynamic that hit all the right notes with audiences.

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“As presenting partner, we are proud to have supported the inauguralMontreux Jazz Festival Franschhoekand to have seen such a strong favourable response from audiences and our clients across the weekend,” said Buli Ndlovu,executive head of Personal and Private Banking Marketing at Nedbank. “The festival delivered a distinctive, high-quality experience that aligns with our focus on creating meaningful value for our Private Banking clients, while contributing to SA’s growing cultural and tourism economy.” What a truly memorable experience for music lovers and lifestyle enthusiasts

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