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.
Please see website: http://www.mjfsa.com/ for further information including information about the un-ticketed Sunday Slowdown and to register for media accreditation. Accreditation applications will close on 14 March 2026.
Park and Ride transport options from various destinations in Cape Town and the Winelands make the festival accessible and a dedicated website run by travel partner Tourvest assists festival goers with seamless accommodation and transfers. Please visit https://www.tourvestdm.com/mjf/ for more information on these options as well as for details about the festival’s private chauffer offering.
Further artists to be announced very soon.
For media enquiries – hi-res images, expanded biographies, interviews etc:
Kaz Henderson | Networx PR | kaz@networxpr.co.za | +27 (0)82 339 1199
Jeni Fletcher | Networx PR | jeni@networxpr.co.za
Social Media:
Instagram: @mjffranschhoek
Facebook: Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek
X (Twitter): @mjffranschhoek
TikTok: @montreuxjazzfestivalsa
Editor Notes:
About Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA)
The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA) is a jazz-inspired, lifestyle experience that brings the iconic Montreux spirit to Africa for the first time. Taking place 27–29 March 2026 in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley – one of the world’s most celebrated food, wine, and art destinations – MJFF will see global artistry meet African soul in a celebration of connection, creativity, and excellence across music, art, and culture.
As part of Montreux’s global family, MJFSA is defined not by scale but by curation: exceptional performances, immersive experiences, and the unmistakable magic of Franschhoek. www.mjfsa.com
The festival is supported by several partners including: Nedbank, SABC, Sunday Times, Heineken and Franschhoek Valley of Dreams.
About the Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland)
Held each summer on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Montreux Jazz Festival was founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs and has been directed by Mathieu Jaton since 2013. It attracts around 250,000 visitors each year and has hosted legends including Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Prince, David Bowie, and Elton John.
Organised by the Fondation du Festival de Jazz de Montreux, the festival is renowned for its creative collaborations, legendary performances, and global spirit of artistic exchange. www.montreuxjazzfestival.com
About Nedbank Group
Nedbank Group is a bank holding company listed on the JSE Limited, with a market capitalisation of R118bn as at 30 June 2025. Nedbank is one of Africa’s largest banking groups, with operations in South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and offshore in the Isle of Man and Jersey. It also has representative offices in other Africa countries, including Kenya, and has key global financial centres to provide international banking services for SA-based multinational and high-net-worth clients in London and Dubai. The group is a diversified financial services provider, offering a wide range of wholesale and retail banking and financial services. Nedbank has maintained its level 1 BBBEE status for the past 7 years and rates in the top quartile of local and international banks on ESG scores. group.nedbank.co.za
Artists Announced to Date:
- Robert Glasper with Special Guest Bilal
- Ezra Collective
- Róisín Murphy
- Salif Keita
- Wet Wet Wet
- Thandiswa Mazwai
- Stacey Kent
- Mandisi Dyantyis
- DJ Kent
- Cassiem Latief and Leighton Moody
- Msaki presents ENTROPY: The Heart as an Echo Chamber ft Jesse Clegg
- DJ Zinhle
- The Kesivan amaBig Band Experience ft. Boohle, Moonchild Sanelly and BONJ
- Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence Ft Moss Mogale and Vusi Mahlasela
- Rosey Gold
- Kesivan & The Lights featuring The Swiss African Horns with special guest BONJ
- Kyle Shepherd Trio
- DJ Kenzhero
- Home at Last: A tribute to Bheki Mseleku presented by Gareth Lockrane and Bokani Dyer
- ‘A Kind of Blue’ w/ Eddie Henderson, Javon Jackson, Donald Harrison, George Colligan, Buster Williams, Lenny White
- Ramon Alexander Trio ft Buddy Wells
- Lelowhatsgood
- Brother Kujenga
- Kwanti Leeh! (Herbie Tsoaeli, Andile Yenana, Ayanda Sikade, Sisonke Xonti)
- The Ploemies & Friends
- Madala Kunene x Sibusile Xaba
- Trev The Japanese
- DJ Mighty
- Kay Faith
- Homie.Lover.Friend
- Sbu The Guy
- Charles Leonard
- Nelee
- CandyFlip
Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek – DJ line-up Bios
(Alphabetical order)
CandyFlip (DJ Candice Horn)
Candice Horn performs under the stage name CandyFlip. She’s a prominent archivist, vinyl selector, and venue owner (The Commons) rooted in the Cape Town music scene.
Her sets are highly eclectic, drawing from a vast collection that includes kwaito, Afrobeat, broken beats, hip hop, and electronic jazz.
Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Johannesburg, she spent several years in London before returning to South Africa to immerse herself in community-driven arts. She is known for creating sets that blend a global feel with local musical landscapes described as having “sonic nuances rooted in soulfulness”.
She’s a regular fixture on the local gig circuit, performing at events such as A Felabration for the People alongside Kujenga and Operation Khataza, and at Club Paradise supporting local and international electronic acts.
The Pairing of Cassiem Latief & Leighton Moody (SA)
Cassiem Latief – Cape Town-based Cassiem Latief has been immersed in the local electronic scene for over two decades. Recognized for his soulful energy and ability to showcase the full spectrum of deep house, he’s often seen playing extended sunset and day-to-night sets.
A Feeling Groovy Management artist, Latief’s passion for pushing boundaries stems from early music influences grounded in soul, R&B, hip hop, jazz, reggae, and 80’s to 90’s house music released on labels such as Nu Groove, Movin, Strictly Rhythm, Eightball and Guidance.
From humble beginnings working in a record store, to holding residencies at national events, Latief has earned an appreciative and ever-growing following. As a DJ performance artist, he has released productions on the Magique Music, Nomadiq Music, Mohaus and Garden Groove record labels.
He’s a co-founder of the We House Sundays movement, which celebrates the true essence of house music and brings together cultures from across the globe.
Discography: Be Patient (2016).
Leighton Moody – With influences rooted in his family’s record collection of gospel, soul and jazz, Leighton Moody was naturally drawn to the deep and soulful sounds of house. Respected by dancers and music lovers alike, he has a unique way of storytelling through his DJ sets.
Also known as Soulsideup, Moody’s intricate style fuses abstract textures with nostalgic sounds, taking audiences on a journey with every set. His versatility as a DJ has seen him appear at many top festivals, including Ultra SA, Lighthouse Festival, Bazique Festival, Wolfkop Weekender, Synergy and Oppikoppi.
The Durban-born DJ is a co-founder of the We House Sundays movement, co-hosting monthly events and annual outdoor events. He is a signed Feeling Groovy Management artist, and is a key figure of the house music scene. He has shared the stage with the likes of Kerri Chandler, Monique Bingham, Dixon, Andy Compton, Jimpster, and Atjazz.
Discography: Boiler Room: Cassiem Latief & Leighton Moody (2016), How You Do – Leighton Moody & Aizo Clutch (2025).
Charles Leonard (SA)
An obsessive collector of vinyl, Charles Leonard loves sharing records from his vast eclectic collection in his DJ sets. His approach is to introduce, remind, surprise, and above all – to entertain. Hear him at The Jazz Village.
A resident DJ at the Breezeblock Cafe in Brixton, he has DJ’d at clubs and bars such as The Orbit, Le Vin in Rosebank, One Park in Cape Town, and Kitchener’s in Braamfontein. He also does regular jazz and reggae sets in Vosloorus and Katlehong shebeens on the East Rand.
While his first love has always been jazz, he plays everything from jazz to soul, reggae to rock, dub to electronica, township jive to hip-hop, and blues to funk.
As someone who became politically involved during the anti-apartheid struggle, he still believes that music needs to engage with society and politics. An avid podcaster and arts journalist, music is integral to his life.
Homie.Lover.Friend (SA)
Homie.Lover.Friend is a genre-defying collective of audio archivists redefining the soundscape of connection. Made up of Lungi Molefe (Brownpepperann), Phola Gumede (LoveslavePhola) and Qhawe Luthuli (Q.hawekazi), the trio blends jazz, house, hip hop, R&B and eclectic global sounds into immersive sets that move across decades and time zones.
Together they curate spaces of release and liberation, designing moments where music becomes community, nostalgia meets now, and every set feels like home.
Inspired by MoRuf’s similarly titled track, Homie.Lover.Friend isn’t just a name – it’s a love language; and as archivists, they aim to nurture relationships built on a mutual appreciation for the syntax of music.
By airing their love of cross-disciplinary sounds, Lungi, Phola and Qhawe hope to bring novelty seekers into a space that cultivates a social experience for like-minded individuals from all walks of life.
Kay Faith (SA)
Hip-hop producer and engineer Kay Faith, real name Karien Barnard, is one of the few women producers in local hip-hop. Having worked with some of the biggest artists in the country, she has proven herself not only as Cape Town’s tastemaker, but an important part of South Africa’s music scene.
Known for her production work on hits like YoungstaCPT’s OWN 2016 and Kwesta’s Day One, she is also an award-winner who has snagged Apple Music Artist of the Month, and engineered multiple SAMA-award-winning titles where her expertise has placed her in categories such as Best Engineered Album.
Faith’s work lives at the intersection of technical excellence and storytelling while being shaped by her background in engineering and her instinct as a curator. She creates moments that remind us how deep our catalogue is, and how iconic our local sound really is.
Discography: In Good Faith (2017), Antithesis (2022).
DJ Kent (SA)
Soweto-born DJ Kent has a catalogue of over 150 songs, some of which have been remixed by Black Coffee (SA), DJ Rock (France), and Lucien Foort (Netherlands).
A multiple award-winning house DJ, producer and author of dance music, his production achievements include a SAMA for Best Remix (2011 – 2012), a Metro FM win for Best Single & Collaboration (2009 – 2010), and a Best Urban Dance Album SAMA (2008 – 2009).
Early in his career, Khensani Mabaso (aka DJ Kent), was part of Kentphonik, a production collective that helped shape the sound of early 2000s South African house with hits like Uwrongo and Masingita.
Acclaimed for seamless mixes and dynamic live sets, he has embraced Afro-tech, amapiano, and deep-house; with his single Horns in the Sun showcasing his experimental approach and crossover appeal.
Discography: Evolution X (2016), The Weekent ((2013), I Can’t Survive (2010), WeeKent Sunsets (EP 2023)
DJ Kenzhero (SA)
Kenneth Bekizizwe Nzama, known for the Party People series, a regular on `festival circuits, and co-owner of Untitled basement, began his career in 1998 with performances at poetry sessions in and around Johannesburg, but made his name deejaying alongside the likes of Tumi & The Volume, Lebo Mashile and Simphiwe Dana.
Moving to Cape Town in 2001, he became a resident DJ at clubs and lounge bars including Marvel, Baraza and Armchair; playing as headline DJ for bands like Freshlyground and Max Normal.
Since his return to Gauteng in 2004, DJ Kenzhero continues to be a regular feature on YFM, Tuks FM, and Mutherfm.com as a DJ, co-producer or co-host. He is well-known on the club scene for his off-centre sessions, claiming residencies at The Colourbar, and Sidewalk Café, and touring to festivals like Macufe and Urban Voice.
In 2025, DJ Kent’s release schedule was headlined by high-profile collaborations and a major update to his most iconic track. The year’s primary highlight was the official release of “Alegria” on 14 March 2025, a long-awaited Afro-house collaboration with THEMBA released via Armada Music. This track, which blends tribal percussion with melodic basslines, became a staple of his live sets, including his residency at Cabo Beach Club.
Another significant milestone was the July 2025 release of the Liva K Remix of his 2011 classic “Falling”. This reimagining by the Greek artist Liva K updated the track with a modern Afro-house groove and became one of the most sought-after IDs of the 2025 summer season. Additionally, Kent launched the Nocturnal Mix series, a new alternative to his famous “Sunset Mixes,” designed to capture a more energetic, up tempo nighttime vibe. He also appeared on the track “Kent’s Groove” from the album The Dawn by Stixx, further cementing his presence in the evolving house scene
His unique style, which combines hip-hop, soul, funk and jazz, invites listeners to give ear to the history of music as the sound flows from one genre to the other. He has shared the stage with Mos Def and Dead Pres.
Discography: DJ Kenzhero Plays Ade Damola* – The Break Even Mixtape (2022), Party People Vol. 1 (2008), Hype Sessions Vol. 24: Party People Presents Summer Madness (2008), Winter Warmers: DJ Kenzhero (DJ Mix) (2025).
DJ Lelo (SA)
DJ Lelowhatsgood bridges the gap between raw, hometown gqom and global electronic influences. His energetic sets often feature a mix of house, amapiano, ballroom and baile funk.
As a cultural curator, DJ Lelo (Ntsikelelo Meslani) is the pioneering force behind VNJ Ball – an inclusive ballroom movement that champions the LGBTQI+ community through art, music, fashion and dance.
He has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to the arts and culture scene – these include a SAMA nomination for Best Gqom Album (2025), as well as being a 2x Feather Awards recipient.
DJ Lelo lists performances at Boiler Room, Afropunk and Tresor Berlin as career highlights. His experimental, underground sounds have resulted in collaborations with the likes of Babes Wodumo, DNB Gogo, and Moonchild Sanelly.
A unique voice in club culture, his signature dark, gqom-driven sound can be described as moody, and euphoric.
Discography: Demon’s Kiss (2022), Next Level (2024), Ekhoneni (2025), Ba Ko Kae? (2025).
DJ Mighty (SA)
Mayibuye Ntsatha, aka DJ Mighty, is the founder of Vinyl Meditationz. A legendary vinyl DJ, educator and mentor, his name is synonymous with soulful soundscapes and deep musical healing.
With over two decades of experience, he is widely recognised for his pioneering vinyl listening sessions – creating sacred spaces for music lovers to connect and reflect.
Known for his deep crates and genre-fluid sets, Mighty has performed at hundreds of festivals. These include Bushfire (Swaziland), Red Bull Electronic Music Festival, Rocking the Daisies, African Space Station (Chimurenga) and Search Festival.
Through Vinyl Meditationz, DJ Mighty mentors a growing global community of vinyl DJs and music lovers – sharing not just music, but a lifestyle rooted in soulful education, mindfulness, and cultural preservation. He has held residencies at iconic venues such a GiGi Rooftop and The Biscuit Mill in Cape Town; and Kitcheners in Johannesburg.
DJ Nelee (SA)
Nelee is mostly known for her jazz and electronic playlist, with her sound also encompassing house, break-beat and Afro-Latin music. A Johannesburg-based DJ, she’s a music enthusiast who grew up around multiple genres, and has always been musically inclined.
A multifaceted vinyl collector and selector, DJ Nelee always comes loaded with a bag full of gems – a soulful, eclectic mix full of subtle surprises. She is best known for the #MusicWithNelee series on X, where she provides daily song recommendations and deep dives into various genres.
While her primary footprint is as a music curator and content creator, she is deeply embedded in the music scene and is often associated with DJ culture through her “Ozone” persona, where she posts “must-listen” threads covering RnB, soul, and jazz-infused house.
A digital music curator, rather than a traditional club DJ, Nelee Mazibuko’s sets are usually shared as curated song lists and threads under her #MusicWithNelee banner.
DJ Rosey Gold (SA)
Renowned for her dynamic DJ sets, Rosey Gold draws from the tapestry of the Southern African diaspora, skilfully intertwining the vibrant sounds of house, amapiano and gqom.
With a life shaped by travel, she grew up immersed in a mosaic of cultures, sounds and rhythms that continue to define her artistry. Her youth was marked by movement across continents, each experience leaving an imprint on her ear and inspiring a sound that bridges electronic and Afro house.
In 2025 she secured a residency at Hï Ibiza alongside Black Coffee and Damian Lazarus, plus appearances at Chinois Ibiza. Her Boiler Room sets also captured her instinctive understanding of energy and space.
Following a sold-out headline show at EartH London and recognition as Beatport’s 2025 “One to Watch,” Gold continues to translate her global perspective into a timeless sound that is distinctly her own.
Discography: Warriors (2019), Deep Rooted (2023).
DJ That Guy S’bu (SA)
That Guy S’bu is a Cape Town-born vinyl collector and selector dedicated to the art of the analog groove. Since 2015, he has translated a lifelong obsession with music into a curated palette that spans jazz, hip hop, Afrobeat, bossa nova and neo-soul – a sound deeply rooted in the soul, R&B and mbaqanga records of his childhood.
As the founder of the Listen & Digest pop up concept, S’bu (Sibusiso Ncangayi) has built a premier platform for alternative music culture. What began as a podcast in 2015 has evolved in a vital movement which hosts selectors from across Mzansi and Eswatini.
From commanding floors at TrevTober to The Dig’s AfroDiaspora Connection, he has cemented his reputation as a go-to purveyor of sophisticated alternative sounds. He’s always sure to bring eclectic vibes and jazz-dance sprinkled with samples and hip-hop beats.
TrevTheJapanese (SA)
Trev The Japanese, real name Kulane Trevor Mavikane, is from Giyani, South Africa. He blends deep house, bruk, jazz, funk, and soul with a focus on percussive, soul-driven sounds and a “6-and-a-half-minute” narrative style.
Trev has been flaring up the dance floors and captivating audiences since 2004. A co-founder of the Johannesburg-based Avant Garde Troupé, he is known for playing deep-house and downtempo music.
Together with Thabo Phalatse and Khaya Simelane, he is continuously impacting the dance scene. To date, the collective has hosted acts like Dego, Abase, Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Massive), Ge-ology, Rich Medina, Yukari BB and Femi Koya.
In 2022, he introduced TrevTober, an annual celebration of the life and times of Trev. It celebrates his journey in music and is also a tribute to his coming of age.
He has appeared on Hit Refresh on Vuzu, The Urban Beat and Urban Music Lounge on Metro FM, and decked international scenes such as Munich, Manchester, Brasil, and Toyko.
Discography: Deep Inspiration Show 250 Guestmix (2013).
DJ Zinhle (SA)
A trailblazing force in the music scene for over two decades, DJ Zinhle continues to command the stage with masterful Afro house sets. Holding the title as Africa’s Number 1 Female DJ for more than 4 years in a row, she’s cemented her spot as a key player in the industry.
Whether she’s dropping triple platinum-selling anthems like Umlilo, or leading a monumental a crowd, this “Queen of the Decks” remains an unrivalled icon whose formidable stage presence leaves audiences spellbound.
In addition to impeccable musical curation and a striking aesthetic, DJ Zinhle is also a successful business entrepreneur and TV star, appearing in her own reality show, The Unexpected; The Lucky Star CoLab, and the SABC’s 1s & 2s.
The recipient of a Basadi in Music Award and Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer Award, DJ Zinhle is one of the most celebrated female house DJs in South Africa.
Discography: Feminine Touch (2009), My Name Is (Remixes) (2013), ZEE Nation Volume 1 (2025).
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