Journey to Jazz has announced its final acts for 2026, alongside the addition of two significant new venues that reflect both the festival’s artistic ambition and its deepening integration with community and place: PACT centre, Bottleblom Street, in Noordeinde and a site-specific performance in the Swartberg Mountain Pass.
The announcements were made at a special preview event in Prince Albert at the end of January, offering invited guests a glimpse of a festival that has evolved from a boutique Karoo gathering into one of South Africa’s most thoughtful, place-responsive jazz festivals.
Guests were also treated to a glimpse of how Paul Hanmer mentorship of the 2026 Karoo Jazz Project (KJP) is shaping up. Collaborating widely in the region, this year’s Festival will see KJP team up with the Laingsberg Brass Band, The George High School Band and the Zwartberg High School Choir.
As a reflection of what audiences can expect – the preview culminated in an unforgettable unplugged performance by Zawadi Yamungu, deep in the heart of the Swartberg Pass.
William Kentridge Films
A Landmark Presentation: William Kentridge Films with Live Score by Kyle Shepherd – Among the most significant artistic highlights of the 2026 programme is a special presentation featuring four short films by William Kentridge, accompanied by a live score performed by pianist Kyle Shepherd.
The performance forms part of an ongoing creative collaboration between Kentridge and Shepherd, extending work developed over several years across film, music and stage. Drawing on jazz improvisation, indigenous musical elements and contemporary compositional techniques, Shepherd’s score engages in real-time dialogue with Kentridge’s iconic charcoal animations – offering audiences an immersive and emotionally layered encounter with image and sound.
Other acts on the bill
Two further important voices have also been added to the line-up. Jonathan Rubain appears for the second time at Journey to Jazz, and Donvino Prins, known for his strong grounding in Cape jazz, spiritual jazz and improvisation.
Cross-Border Collaboration: ¡Gracia! – Journey to Jazz 2026 also continues its collaboration with the Italian Institute of Culture, presenting ¡Gracia! – a contemporary Mediterranean trio featuring Anaïs Drago (award-winning jazz violinist), Fausto Beccalossi and Luca Falomi.
Rooted in Mediterranean folk traditions yet distinctly modern in expression,¡Gracia!
embodies the festival’s belief in what becomes possible when cultural exchange is allowed to flow freely. The project debuted in Italy in 2025 and will culminate in a new album in spring 2026.
New venues at Journey to Jazz
Noordeinde and the Swartberg Pass – The PACT centre in Noordeinde becomes a vital new performance space in 2026, extending the festival’s reach into another part of Prince Albert.
Post the recent performance, Journey to Jazz will once again return to the Swartberg Mountain Pass on Saturday, 2 May 2026, for a very special site-specific show – bucket list item!
Vinyl, DJs and the Custodians of Jazz Culture – Recognising the role of vinyl selectors as modern custodians of jazz culture, Journey to Jazz 2026 places renewed emphasis on listening culture, vinyl history and sonic literacy.
Ntone Edjabe – sound stylist, writer and founder of Chimurenga and the Pan African Space Station – will present two performances and participate in the festival’s talk programme, tracing the evolution of jazz in Africa. He is joined by DJ Bob, whose acclaimed DJ Bob’s Jazz Club takes up residency in Noordeinde at the PACT centre in Botterblom Street, coinciding with International Jazz Day on 30 April 2026 – the activation will include vinyl listening sessions, DJ performances, a mini record market and a hands-on workshop introducing the community to jazz DJ culture.
Throughout the festival weekend along Church Street in Prince Albert, there will also be a series of pop-ups where both sound stylists will create spaces for everyone to be ‘moved’ by the music – whether in reflection or to dance.
Full Journey to Jazz line-up 2026
Amy Campbell
DJ Bob
Donvino Prins
¡Gracia! (Drago – Falomi – Beccalossi)
Karoo Jazz Project
Kyle Shepherd |William Kentridge Films
Linda Sikhakane and Paras Dlamini
Nomfundo Xaluva
Ntone Edjabe – DJ Set
Vusi Mahlasela
Paul Hanmer
Yonela Mnana and The Soultee Sisters
Zawadi Yamungu
Jonathan Rubain
Presented by the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT), Journey to Jazz remains first and foremost a music festival – one that must succeed to sustain its broader social impact. Every ticket sold contributes directly to youth training, skills development and opportunity creation across Prince Albert and the surrounding region.
The Festival’s supporting annual Greet and Meet programme is receiving the finishing touches and will be revealed later in February – keep an eye out for all the activations and cool things to do in Prince Albert over the festival weekend.
Read Karen Rutter’s review of last year’s magnificent splash here.
What: Full Journey to Jazz line-up 2026
When: 30 April – 3 May 2026
Where: Prince Albert, Karoo, Western Cape
Ticket prices: Free – R250 per person
Book tickets: Quicket
Socials: #TrueJazzTrueKaroo #JourneytoJazz2026 #J2J #J2J2026 #PrinceAlbert #PACT #JazzWithPurpose #YouthLed #JazzRetreat
Socials: Facebook: journeytojazzfestival, Instagram: @journeytojazzfestival, TikTok: journey.to.jazz
YouTube: @JOURNEYTOJAZZfestival
WS
