Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek

Historic first at Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek In a series of historic firsts, 16-year-old Pano Couloubis quietly made Montreux Jazz Festival history, becoming the youngest bouzouki player (a long-necked Greek string instrument known for its bright, resonant tone) to ever perform at the festival’s global stage, appearing at its inaugural African edition in Franschhoek’s Jazz Village. Joining Kesivan and The Lights, he stepped into the heart of the Jazz Village lineup alongside leading international and African artists. His original self-composed bouzouki solo, set within a piece inspired by Hans Zimmer’s Inception soundtrack, pushed the instrument into a cinematic space that was precise, emotive, and strikingly contemporary. A debut defined by a series of firsts, and a moment that set its own precedent. A student at SAHETI School, Pano began playing the bouzouki at age seven and has already built a reputation both locally and internationally. Watch this space for more festival highlights and save the dates for next year’s festival: 19-21 March 2027. #mjffranschhoek #mjfsa #montreuxjazzfestival

Africa loves jazz. As we remember how the music brought us all together this year, we look ahead to more moments, more connection, more of that unmistakable energy that is Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek. This International Jazz Day, we celebrate the rhythm that runs through it all. Montreux Jazz Festival 19–21 March 2027 Save the date. #mjffranschhoek #mjfsa #franschhoek_sa #valleyofdreams #internationaljazzday

Mandisi Dyantyis, as seen through the lens of Trevor Stuurman and the Manor team. His music moved like a hymn, rooted in jazz, carried by the spirit of gospel, and guided by something deeply ancestral. Each note felt intentional, each pause filled with meaning, his trumpet and voice drew us into a space that feels both personal and collective. And on 27 March, he held Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek in the palm of his hand. Save the dates: 19-21 March 2027 #mjffranschhoek #mjfsa #montreuxjazzfestival #franschhoek_sa #valleyofdreams

A festival guided by sound. From our performers’ kinetic energy to MCs keeping the energy high, to selectors moving the crowd, the festival unfolded through motion, music, and momentum. It was the people who shaped the pulse in real time, from every incredible performer in our lineup to the sound engineers refining every note and the teams behind the scenes building the framework for it all to come alive. A thousand moving parts, one seamless experience — where every element found its place, and the music led the way. We can’t wait to do it all again next year: 19 - 21 March 2027. Photographs: @emp_cyclone #mjffranschhoek #mjfsa #montreuxjazzfestival

Under the Franschhoek night sky, the crowd drew close as Thandiswa Mazwai stepped onto the stage, a shared sense of anticipation settling into the space. People gathered in their thousands, united in soaking up the performance of African music royalty. The audience leaned in, then lifted with her, singing, swaying, dancing and fully present, together. Strangers became part of the same rhythm, connected by something familiar yet powerful in its delivery. It was one of those festival moments where time slows, the music lands just right, and the feeling stays with you long after the final note. This is what it feels like when Montreux Meets Africa. Next year, we gather again. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of our story. 19 - 21 March 2027. Video: @mageba_osoft #mjffranschhoek #mjfsa #montreuxjazzfestival #franschhoek_sa

A defining moment 🎤 Carissa hosting the debut of the Montreux Jazz Festival in Africa bringing presence, energy, and voice to a global stage. Powered by the DJI Osmo 360 and DJI Mic. Every angle and word captured effortlessly. #djiza #djisouthafrica

Moments from the Jazz Village. A respectful tribute to jazz at its purest: up close, intimate, and alive in every note. Within a festival of many sounds and expressions, this was a space to return to the roots: where tradition leads, improvisation breathes, and the music speaks for itself. #mjffranschhoek #mjfsa #montreuxjazzfestival #SAJazz

Two weeks ago festival history was made in Franschhoek. From the nostalgic sounds of Wet Wet Wet, to late night dancing to the electric sounds of Róisín Murphy and Kesivan’s AmaBigBand Experience with Boohle, Moonchild Sanelly and BONJ bringing a powerful, genre-blurring experience, Friday set the tone. DJs like DJ Kent, Zinhle and Rosey Gold kept the pulse alive, cementing Franschhoek as an intimate stage for global voices. This is just the beginning. Save the dates: 19-21 March 2027. Photographs: @ewaldtverster and @emp_cyclone #mjffranschhoek #mjfsa #montreuxjazzfestival

A voice that stopped Franschhoek in its tracks. His first time in South Africa, and a debut that arrived with force, moving through the crowd and pulling at something deeper. Through intricate guitar work and layered melodies, his musicianship revealed itself in every detail. Every note was deliberate, every pause intentional. And above it all, the strength and clarity of his voice carried powerfully through the valley, cutting through the night air and reaching far beyond the stage. One of the moments where it all began. Matt Hansen, Friday, 27 March 2026. Where Montreux Met Africa. #mjffranschhoek #mjfsa #montreuxjazzfestival

It was our first time performing the Entropy album live with a full band and the audience showed up in the most beautiful way. The inaugural South African leg of Montreux Jazz Festival felt like something truly special. ✨ Thank you for singing with us, for the energy, for the magic. This is just the beginning. Many more shows ahead. #jesseclegg #msaki #entropy 🎥: @curatedbybryn

Our festival through the eyes of renowned jazz photographer Jonathon Rees, on behalf of Music in Africa. Only the performers. Stripped back to black and white were light, shadow, and pure expression take centre stage. Every frame, a moment with the music. Tigran Hamasyan, Moonchild Sanelly, BONJ, Brother Kujenga and Boohle in motion. 19-21 March 2027, we do it all again. #mjffranschhoek #mjfsa #montreuxjazzfestival #musicinafrica

Thanks to the selectors who set the tone at our Main Stage, from golden hour to after-hours. Swipe for a few of our favourite moments behind the decks, and watch this space for more highlights from the very first Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek. Same month, same place next year, we do it all again. Save the dates for our second edition: 19 - 21 March 2027. Where Montreux Meets Africa. Photographs: @emp_cyclone #mjffranschhoek #mjfsa #montreuxjazzfestival