Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek expands its programme with 15 curated DJ and vinyl selectors in the line-up
Franschhoek, South Africa, 6 March 2026 – 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 its headline live performances.
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.
The announcement further strengthens an already strong programme featuring international stars and African musical innovators performing across The Arches Stage and Jazz Village.
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.
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 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 legendary selector, DJ Kenzhero. Their presence underscores the festival’s belief that music culture today is shaped as much by selectors and DJs as it is by instrumentalists and bands.
Beyond the musical programme, the festival is also seen as an important platform for cultural development and economic growth in the province. Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport of the Western Cape, Ricardo Mackenzie said:
“Festivals like Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek do more than entertain: they create jobs, grow local artistic skills, and showcase South Africa’s talent to the world. The Western Cape Government is proud to support events that drive both culture and economic opportunity for our communities.”
Taking place 27–29 March 2026 in Franschhoek, the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek heralds the first time the legendary Swiss-born festival has been staged on African soil.
Beyond the headline performances, the DJs ensure the festival never stands still – keeping audiences moving, dancing and discovering music throughout the entire weekend.
The festival will also support community organisations including FRANCO and Franschhoek’s Uncorked Music Academy, ensuring that its legacy extends far beyond the stage.
Tickets are live on Ticketmaster now for The Arches Stage – see Salif Keita, Mandisi Dyantyis, Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence, The Kesivan amaBig Band Experience and a selection of artists at the Jazz Village. Ticket sales for Jazz Village will open once the full line-up for this stage is complete.
For more information visit the website here including information about the un-ticketed Sunday Slowdown.
Event Details:
- Dates: 27–29 March 2026
- Venue: Huguenot Monument, Franschhoek
- Tickets:
- The Arches Stage: Friday & Saturday R2250 available via Ticketmaster
- Sunday Slowdown: Unticketed
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