For Immediate Release
Sold-out weekend signals strong debut for Africa’s newest global music and lifestyle event
Dates for next year announced as 19 – 21 March 2027
Franschhoek, South Africa, 31 March 2026 – The inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek concluded on a high note this past weekend, drawing strong attendance across its three-day programme as momentum built steadily through the valley.
From 27–29 March 2026, Franschhoek played host to a diverse audience of local and international visitors who moved between The Arches main stage and the more intimate Jazz Village, with the festival’s footprint extending along the Montreux Mile. As the weekend unfolded, word of mouth and social sharing translated into increased demand, with peak sessions and hospitality reaching full capacity.
While the global Montreux name carries a near six-decade legacy, the Franschhoek edition established its own identity early on – defined by scale, setting and a deliberately curated, hospitality-led experience. The result was a festival that felt both premium and personal, with audiences engaging as much with the environment as with the music itself.
Beyond the stages, the integration of food, wine and local culture contributed to an experience that extended well beyond performance times – reinforcing Franschhoek’s position as a destination capable of hosting world-class, multi-dimensional events.
“There was a particular energy across the weekend – one that built organically as people arrived, experienced it, and shared it,” says Mark Goedvolk, Founder of Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek.
“From the outset, our intention was not to replicate Montreux, but to create something that reflects both the spirit of the brand and the character of this place. What we saw this weekend was a strong foundation – one we can now build on thoughtfully and consistently for the years ahead.”
The festival also created space for collaboration across generations and geographies, with established global artists sharing the programme with South African talent and emerging voices – a dynamic that resonated strongly with audiences.
Buli Ndlovu, Executive Head of Personal and Private Banking Marketing, Nedbank, echoed the sentiment, saying: “As presenting partner, we are proud to have supported the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek and to see such a strong favourable response from audiences and our clients across the weekend. The festival delivers a distinctive, high-quality experience that aligns with our focus on creating meaningful value for our Private Banking clients, while contributing to South Africa’s growing cultural and tourism economy
Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism noted: “What a truly memorable experience for music lovers and lifestyle enthusiasts, set against the backdrop of our magnificent African skies and the Franschhoek mountains. Once again, South Africa has strengthened its position as a leading cultural tourism destination, welcoming a globally recognised brand to our shores.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Montreux Jazz Festival for its global legacy and for licensing this important African edition, as well as to the local organisers, Montreux Jazz Franschhoek, for selecting Franschhoek as the host destination. This is a powerful vote of confidence in South Africa’s world-class infrastructure, creative excellence, and tourism offering.
“We look forward to building on this momentum as we anticipate the return of Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek in 2027.”
Importantly, the inaugural edition has set a clear operational and experiential benchmark — one that positions the festival as a meaningful addition to South Africa’s cultural calendar, while leaving room for considered growth.
With early demand and positive sentiment from attendees, partners and media alike, planning is already underway for the next edition.
Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek will return 19 – 21 March 2027.
Further announcements, including programme details and ticketing, will follow in due course.
Please see website: http://www.mjfsa.com/ for further information.
For media enquiries – hi-res images, expanded biographies, interviews etc:
Please see link to some images here:
https://empcyclonestudios95.pixieset.com/montreuxjazzfestivalsouthafrica2026/
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
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
Leave feedback about this