Montreux tunes up for African debut: first artists revealed for Franschhoek Jazz Festival

One of the world’s most respected cultural events — Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival — will soon make its African debut in the Cape Winelands, under the banner of theMontreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek(MJFSA). The MJFSA, presented by Nedbank and running from March 27 to 29, has revealed the first batch of artists who will be performing. The lineup features legendary voices, bold contemporary composers and unexpected collaborations, setting the tone for a festival shaped by intention rather than scale.

Attendees can look forward to a programme that bridges generations, geographies and musical languages. Performances will be staged across two venues on Friday and Saturday: The Arches (from lunchtime to midnight) and the Jazz Village (from 3pm to midnight). On Sunday, there’ll be several music offerings in the village along what’s been dubbed “Montreux Mile”.

“This first [artist] announcement reflects the spirit of Montreux at its best — where 60 years of legacy meet Africa’s artistic flair on the continent for the first time, and where African voices are central to the global musical conversation,” says MJFSA founder Mark Goedvolk. Headlining at The Arches, the festival’s main outdoor stage, is the legendary Salif Keita. Widely regarded as “The Golden Voice of Africa”, this Grammy-nominated artist from Mali has influenced African music for more than five decades.

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Also taking centre stage is Mandisi Dyantyis, one of SA’s most compelling contemporary composers and bandleaders. Known for his deeply expressive trumpet work and genre-fluid compositions, Dyantyis represents the evolving language of African jazz — sophisticated, emotive and unafraid to draw from classical, folk and modern influences. Adding to the spirit of collaboration, Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence brings together acclaimed musicians Moss Mogale and Vusi Mahlasela.

This rare meeting of guitar voices promises a powerful dialogue rooted in African storytelling, social memory, and shared virtuosity. Not to be missed, the Kesivan amaBig Band Experience reimagines amapiano — traditionally electronic and groove-driven — through the language of a 26-piece acoustic jazz ensemble. Led by acclaimed South African drummer and composer Kesivan Naidoo, the project brings together South African and European musicians, with strong Swiss representation. The ensemble is anchored by the unmistakable voice of Boohle, one of contemporary amapiano’s most emotionally resonant singers, joined by fellow lead vocalists Stogie T and BONJ.

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