The Franschhoek Wine Valley is set to make history as the first African destination of the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival. Since its inception in 1967, the festival has been a cultural cornerstone in the global music industry, held in the picturesque town of Montreux Switzerland, celebrated for its diverse musical line-up spanning jazz, blues, pop, and rock.
Headlining the Arches main stage is Salif Keita, the iconic Malian artist known as the Golden Voice of Africa, alongside South African trumpeter and composer Mandisi Dyantyis, a defining figure in modern African jazz.
Also featured are Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence with Moss Mogale and Vusi Mahlasela, created especially for the festival, and The Kesivan amaBig Band Experience — a 26-piece South African–European collaboration reimagining Amapiano through a large acoustic jazz ensemble, with vocals by Boohle, Stogie T and BONJ.
The Jazz Village offers a more intimate programme, including a rare collaboration between maskandi master Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba, as well as ensemble Kwanti Leeh!, featuring Herbie Tsoaeli, Andile Yenana, Ayanda Sikade and Sisonke Xonti, representing the depth of South Africa’s contemporary jazz scene.