Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek presented by Nedbank has announced an all-star line-up of DJs, vinyl selectors and musical curators for its inaugural African edition, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to presenting a broad spectrum of contemporary music culture alongside headline live performances.
The curators of sound include some of South Africa’s most respected selectors and DJs, including DJ Zinhle, DJ Kent, Kay Faith, That Guy S’bu, Trev The Japanese, Lelowhatsgood, DJ Mighty, DJ Khenzhero, Homie.Lover.Friend, Nelee, Charles Leonard, CandyFlip, the collaborative pairing of Cassiem Latief and Leighton Moody, and Europe-based Rosey Gold.
Together, they represent a diverse cross-section of South Africa’s contemporary music culture – spanning jazz, soul, house, hip-hop, rare groove and vinyl-led listening sessions.
These artists have been carefully curated as performers in their own right, bringing their unique musical identities, deep record collections and dancefloor storytelling to the festival’s programme.
Musical exploration
For festival founder Mark Goedvolk, the inclusion of DJs and selectors reflects Montreux’s long-standing ethos of musical exploration. He says, “South Africa has produced some of the best DJs in the world and honouring their craft at this Festival, was the natural thing to do.
“Montreux has always been about more than a single genre or format. It’s about the discovery of music in all its forms. These artists are an intrinsic part of the fabric of our communities, and their artistry deserves to take centre stage in its own right.”
Music and Programming Curator, Lindsay Rhoda, says the programme recognises the important role selectors play in shaping music culture. “DJs and vinyl selectors play a crucial role in contemporary music culture. Many of them are extraordinary musical historians, digging deep into records and connecting genres, eras and communities. At Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek they are not there to fill space – they are there because they are exceptional curators of sound and part of a curated programme.”
Across multiple spaces
Across the festival weekend, these artists will animate multiple spaces within the programme – from intimate vinyl listening sessions at the Jazz Village to high-energy DJ performances at The Arches stage, that extend the musical journey beyond the main stage concerts.
From the moment gates open until the final sets each evening, audiences will move through a living soundscape – discovering music, dancing and experiencing the full spectrum of contemporary sound.
Among the highlights are broadcaster and vinyl connoisseur CandyFlip, celebrated record collector Charles Leonard, and genre-crossing tastemaker Kay Faith, alongside globally recognised DJ and producer DJ Zinhle, house music pioneer DJ Kent as well as cultural connector and selector, DJ Kenzhero.
The event takes place from 27 to 29 March 2026 in Franschhoek. Beyond the headline performances, the DJs ensure the festival never stands still – keeping audiences moving, dancing and discovering music throughout the entire weekend.
See the website for information about the un-ticketed Sunday Slowdown.
Park and Ride transport options from various destinations in Cape Town and the Winelands make the festival accessible – a website run by travel partner Tourvest assists festival goers with accommodation and transfers – see here.
See all the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek acts here.
What: Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA)
When is the Montreux Franschhoek Festival: 27 – 29 March 2026
Where: Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa
Website: http://www.mjfsa.com/
Instagram: @mjffranschhoek
Facebook: Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek
X (Twitter): @mjffranschhoek
TikTok: @montreuxjazzfestivalsa
WS
