Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek completes inaugural programme with powerful final artist announcement

Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek completes inaugural programme with powerful final artist announcement

Lalah Hathaway joins Robert Glasper & Bilal, as Matt Hansen, Tigran Hamasyan Manifeste and rising local talent Caleb Dlamini complete the line-up

Franschhoek, South Africa, 16 March 2026 – Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek has completed the programme for its historic inaugural edition with the announcement of internationally acclaimed artists Matt Hansen and Tigran Hamasyan Manifeste, alongside exciting young South African ensemble Caleb Dlamini & Friends.

Adding to the excitement, organisers have also confirmed that Grammy-winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway will join Robert Glasper and special guest Bilal for a rare live collaboration when the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek takes place in the valley of dreams later this month.

From 27–29 March 2026, the legendary Swiss-born Montreux Jazz Festival makes its African debut in the beautiful Franschhoek valley in South Africa, bringing together almost 40 global icons, African innovators and emerging talent in a vibrant celebration of musical discovery.

The final additions further enriches a programme that celebrates musical excellence in all its forms.

 

Singer-songwriter Matt Hansen, whose emotionally resonant music and storytelling have earned him a massive global following – including millions of fans across TikTok and streaming platforms – brings a fresh contemporary voice to the programme.  His performance at The Arches stage on Friday night promises to connect with a new generation of music lovers discovering Montreux for the first time.

 

At the Jazz Village stage on Friday, located in an historic church in the town, audiences will experience the extraordinary artistry of Tigran Hamasyan, winner of the 2003 Solo Piano Competition of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation (MJAF).  Since then, the Armenian pianist and composer has established himself as one of the most innovative musicians of his generation. His appearance at Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek reflects the foundation’s philanthropic mission to support and accompany jazz talents throughout their artistic journey.

Completing the announcement is Caleb Dlamini & Friends, a dynamic young collective from the host town of Franschhoek. Led by 17-year-old drummer prodigy Caleb Dlamini, the ensemble represents the next generation of South African musicians shaping the country’s evolving jazz landscape.

Dlamini’s inclusion carries particular resonance. Supported in his musical journey through education and access to instruments by the festival’s legacy partner, FRANCO, he is both a remarkable young bandleader and a powerful symbol of the festival’s commitment to nurturing future talent.  Some of the valley’s talent is also currently being incubated through Franschhoek’s Uncorked Music Academy, such as 13-year-old saxophone player Graigan Papier, also part of the band line-up and who will make a cameo appearance with Kesivan Naidoo’s amaBig Band Experience. 

For Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, placing emerging artists on the same stages as internationally celebrated performers is central to its vision: creating a space where musical heritage and future innovation meet.

Festival co-founder Raffaella Goedvolk says the final announcement perfectly captures the spirit of Montreux. “What excites us most about this final programme is the meeting of generations – from globally celebrated artists to young musicians like Caleb Dlamini who represent the future of South African jazz.

“That has always been the magic of Montreux: extraordinary artists, unexpected collaborations and the feeling that something special can happen at any moment.”

Buli Ndlovu, Executive Head of Personal and Private Banking Marketing, Nedbank, agrees, saying the festival also represents an important cultural milestone. “Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek is more than a music event, it is a cultural moment.”

 

“It celebrates creativity, connection, and the extraordinary depth of talent we have in South Africa and across the world.  As Nedbank, we are proud to support an initiative that brings global artistry to our shores while creating meaningful opportunities for emerging musicians who represent the future of our creative economy.  We curate these moments for our clients to connect with them through their passion, offering experiences that resonate with their appreciation for artistry, culture, and excellence.”

 

Across the weekend the festival will unfold across stages and spaces in the Cape winelands valley, blending world-class live performances, DJs and vinyl selectors with exceptional food, wine and immersive cultural experiences.

 

The full programme now features an extraordinary mix of international icons, African innovators and emerging talent.

 

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.

 

Please see website: http://www.mjfsa.com/ for further information including details about the un-ticketed Sunday Slowdown.

 

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 Wine Valley.

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 on the line-up:

• Robert Glasper with Special Guests Lalah Hathaway & Bilal
• Ezra Collective
• Matt Hansen
• Róisín Murphy
• Salif Keita
• Wet Wet Wet
• Thandiswa Mazwai
• Stacey Kent
• Mandisi Dyantyis
• DJ Kent
• Tigran Hamasyan
• 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
• Caleb Dlamini & Friends
• Trev The Japanese
• DJ Mighty
• Kay Faith
• Homie.Lover.Friend
• Sbu The Guy
• Charles Leonard
• Nelee
• CandyFlip

 

 

 

4^th and Final Artist Biographies

(in alphabetical order)

 

 

Caleb Dlamini & Friends (SA)

Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek Youth Showcase

Seventeen-year-old drummer and bandleader Caleb Dlamini represents a new generation of South African jazz talent.  Influenced by the rich traditions of South African jazz as well as contemporary global sounds, his playing is characterised by lyrical phrasing, expressive improvisation and a maturity beyond his years.  As a young bandleader, he is already demonstrating a keen musical vision, bringing together emerging musicians and collaborators to create performances that are both dynamic and rooted in community.

Caleb’s musical journey has been supported, in part, through FRANCO, the festival’s legacy partner, who, in this instance, have provided access to education and instruments.

For this special Youth Showcase performance, Caleb is joined by a group of promising young musicians from the Western Cape, including 13-year-old saxophonist Graigan Mentoor Papier, whose musical roots run deep in the renowned Papier Family Band, founded by his great-grandfather in 1932.  Graigan continues this proud family tradition and has already appeared internationally, including a performance at the Chelsea Flower Show in the United Kingdom in 2025.

The ensemble also features Eya Nzazi on bass and Kyle Damons on piano, both accomplished young musicians who bring depth, groove and sensitivity to the ensemble.   Local rap artists Ten Tripple One join as MCs, bringing a dynamic dialogue between jazz and hip-hop.

This special showcase reflects the spirit of mentorship and musical development that lies at the heart of the festival.  Guidance from educators and mentors Shaun Johannes, Ramon Alexander and Duncan Johnson, has helped nurture these young artists on their musical journeys for this special performance.

 

Lalah Hathaway (US)

 

Lalah Hathaway is credited as being the “First Daughter of Soul”. A critically acclaimed, Grammy-winning vocalist, she is known for her rich, soulful voice, which is described as a contralto with a smokier, velvety, warm texture.

 

Hathaway rose to fame in the 1990s with the release of her self-titled debut album, whose single Heaven Knows peaked in the top-five on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Her music is a sophisticated blend of contemporary R&B, soul, jazz, and pop. She is renowned for her ability to perform multiphonic singing. She cites her father Donny Hathaway, Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald as influences.

 

Discography: Lalah Hathaway (1990), A Moment (1994), Outrun the Sky (2004), Self Portrait (2008), Where It All Begins (2011), Honestly (2018), Vantablack: Expansion Pack (2025).

 

 

 

 

Matt Hansen (US)

 

With standout tracks like Yellowstone and Let Em Go, independent breakthrough artist Matt Hansen has proved that authentic storytelling can still resonate with audiences across the globe.

 

Exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and emotional vulnerability, the 26-year-old Los Angeles-based singer has built a devoted following with diary-style songwriting that’s taken him on headline tours across three continents. First connecting with fans on TikTok, where he has over 3 million followers, he has subsequently amassed over 1 billion streams worldwide.

 

Hansen’s single discography stems from 2020, and this year sees the release of his highly anticipated debut album, Orchid – which he says is his most expansive and emotionally resonant work to date.

Beyond studio work, he is known for a spontaneous live performance style that can shift from a full band setup to solo electric guitar sets. He has toured with Dean Lewis, Teddy Swims, and Alec Benjamin.

Discography: LET EM GO (2023), Something to Remember (2023), SOMEONE TO YOU (2024), Yellowstone (holding you) (2025).

 

 

 

 

Tigran Hamasyan Manifeste (Armenia)

 

Award-winning pianist Tigran Hamasyan has built a dedicated following worldwide. Praised by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau and the late Chick Corea, he is considered one of the most remarkable jazz-meets-rock composers of his generation.

He released his debut album, World Passion, in 2004 at the age of seventeen. The following year, he won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, having already been recognised as the winner of the 2003 Solo Piano Competition of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation.

His subsequent recordings include New Era, Red Hail, A Fable – which earned him a Victoires de la Musique – Shadow Theater, and Luys i Luso, recorded with the Yerevan State Chamber Choir.

Renowned for blending ancient Armenian folk music with modern jazz improvisation, progressive rock, and heavy metal, Hamasyan’s playing is characterized by intense emotional expression, technical skill, and a deep engagement with complex, asymmetrical rhythms.

Discography: World Passion (2006), A Fable (2011), Shadow Theater (2013), Luys I Luso (2015), Mockroot (2015),  An Ancient Observer (2017), StandArt (2022), The Bird of a Thousand Voices (2024), Manifeste (2026).