Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek's Sunday Slowdown In The Heart Of The Village

Sunday Slowdown brings Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek into the heart of the village

After a packed weekend of music, across its two mains stages, the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek will gently draw to a close, the energy will shift – not into silence, but into something slower, warmer and deeply rooted in place.

On Sunday, 29 March, the festival opens itself fully to the village with the Sunday Slowdown – an un-ticketed, open-access celebration of more music, culture and community unfolding along the Montreux Mile in Franschhoek.

From late morning, the streets will come alive with a series of live pop-up performances, vinyl sessions and choral moments, inviting both festivalgoers and locals to experience Montreux in a different rhythm – unhurried, accessible and joyfully shared.

A Village alive with music

This year’s Sunday Slowdown features a rich and diverse line-up of artists, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and discovery that defines this festival:

Sima Mashazi & Nick Turner Collaboration
The Rivertones
Nomadic Orchestra
Major Voices Choir
Albert Frost
Uncorked Academy Band
Melorie Jane Quintet
Sinothando Arts & Culture Choir
Shen FM + Lee Thomson

Adding to the atmosphere, vinyl culture continues to make its mark with:

DJ Fred Spider (a long-time Montreux favourite)
DJ Protectionspel

Together, these performances will create a living soundtrack across the village, where audiences can wander, discover and connect – from spontaneous dance moments to intimate listening experiences.

More than a festival: A space to learn and share

Running alongside the main programme on Friday and Saturday, a series of workshops and conversations will take place at the Franschhoek Town Hall within the Jazz Village precinct, offering audiences and aspiring musicians, rare access to artists, ideas and creative exchange.

As part of the legacy of this living festival, organisers have also made it possible for young musicians to experience the main festival, further adding to their education.

Workshop Programme Highlights:

Friday

12:30 – Official festival poster signing by artist, Sam Nhlengethwa
13:30 – Mo T
14:45 – Robert Glasper in conversation with Bokani Dyer and DJ Kenzhero

Saturday

12:00 – Sam Nhlengethwa signs posters for collectors (only 50 signed copies in existence)
12:30 – Spotify – artists masterclass
13:30 – A couch conversation with Matt Hansen
15:00 – Celebrating 100 years, Gallo Music will amp up the sound and invite you into their world of music.

These sessions provide a unique opportunity to engage with artists, curators and industry voices, exploring everything from creative process and musical evolution to the broader cultural context of the festival.

A festival that extends beyond the stage

While the main stages pause on Sunday, the Jazz Village precinct remains open, with food, wine, markets, sidewalk cafés, and gathering spaces continuing to welcome visitors. Some of the valley’s notable vignerons will offer a Wine Down tasting experience (small surcharge applies).

For the discerning palate, these are some of the special wines to look forward to: Anthonij Rupert, Boekenhoutskloof, Great Heart, Holden Manz, La Motte, Leeu Passant, Mel Wines, Rickety Bridge, Rupert & Rothschild, Terre Paisible and Wildeberg.

With Franschhoek’s legendary hospitality as its backdrop, the Sunday Slowdown becomes a moment of connection – where music settles into the streets, conversations linger, and the festival becomes part of the everyday life of Franschhoek.

It is also a reflection of Montreux’s deeper philosophy: that music is not only performed, but shared, lived and experienced together.

Open to All

The Sunday Slowdown is open to the public, inviting everyone – from dedicated festivalgoers to curious visitors – to be part of this closing chapter.

From global stages to village streets, Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek ends not with a finale, but with a collective exhale – a reminder of the power of music to bring people together.

For more information visit the website here including information about the un-ticketed Sunday Slowdown.

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