The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, presented by Nedbank, is expanding its sonic palette by adding 15 DJs and vinyl selectors to the programme for its inaugural African edition. The move reinforces the festival’s mission to showcase a wide spectrum of contemporary music culture beyond the main stage performances.

Among the curators of sound are some of South Africa’s most respected selectors, including DJ Zinhle, DJ Kent, Kay Faith, That Guy S’bu, Trev The Japanese, Lelowhatsgood, DJ Mighty, DJ Kenzhero, 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 cross-section of South Africa’s evolving music culture, touching everything from jazz and soul to house, hip-hop and rare groove. Throughout the weekend, these selectors will take over multiple spaces across the festival — from intimate vinyl listening sessions at the Jazz Village to high-energy DJ sets at The Arches Stage.

For festival founder Mark Goedvolk, the inclusion of DJs is essential to the Montreux spirit. The legendary Montreux Jazz Festival has always been about musical discovery — and South Africa’s DJs play a major role in shaping how audiences experience sound today.

Music and Programming Curator Lindsay Rhoda adds that selectors are more than entertainers; they’re musical historians and cultural connectors, bridging genres, eras and communities through their crates.

Beyond the music, the festival is also positioned as a major cultural and economic driver for the Western Cape. According to the province’s Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, events like this create jobs, nurture local talent and showcase South African creativity to the world.

Taking place 27–29 March 2026 in Franschhoek, the event marks the first time the iconic Swiss-born festival lands on African soil — bringing with it a mix of global stars, African innovators and the DJs who keep the culture moving long after the bands leave the stage.

More artists are expected to be announced soon.