Monreux Jazz Festival – which has hosted the likes of Miles Davis, Nina Simone, Prince, David Bowie and Queen – is landing in South Africa this March!
Franschhoek, South Africa (20 February 2026) – The festival first took place almost 60 years ago in Switzerland. Since then, it has mushroomed into a music experience attracting millions of visitors at venues across the world, including Tokyo, Miami, and Rio de Janeiro.
Nina Simone, Miles Davis, David Bowie, Queen and South Africa’s own Ladysmith Black Mambazo have all performed at Montreux, and the festival carries a large archive of recordings officially recognised by UNESCO.
It’s a legendary event, and now it’s Mzansi’s turn to host. A first for Africa!
Over one weekend across the town of Franschhoek, the event will combine lifestyle – art, food and wine – with jazz and multi-genre performances from more than 30 local and international artists. Some acts – including Robert Glasper with Bilal, Salif Keita, Ezra Collective, Mandisi Dyantyis, Billy Monama, Moss Mogale, Vusi Mahlasela and Ezra Collective have already been announced, with the complete programme expected to drop in March.
The event will bring international talent to SA and celebrate South African voices and artists.
The festival’s iconic poster has shifted through the hands of visionary artists like David Bowie, Keith Haring, Andy Worhol and Damien Hirst. South Africa’s Sam Nhlengethwa now joins them.
Nhlengethwa’s art featured on the poster represents legendary double bassist Charles Mingus, Monreux shares.
“To create this poster is a privilege, Montreux has always been a dream for musicians – now Africa joins that dream. This poster is my tribute to that connection.” shares Nhlengethwa.
Montreux’s first African event will support charities in its partnership with the Franschhoek Resource and Network Co-Ordinating Organisation, which serves as an umbrella body for a number of different organisations supporting a variety of needs across Franschhoek’s communities. It also backs Franschhoek’s Uncorked Music Academy, whose talented young artists and students will be involved in the festival throughout the town.
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