Franschhoek to host Africa's first Montreux Jazz Festival
Mark your calendars for March 2026... Franschhoek is poised to hit a global high note as the first African destination to host the iconic Montreux Jazz Festival.
Founded in Switzerland in 1967, the Montreux Jazz Festival has grown into an international celebration of jazz, blues, rock, and soul, becoming one of the most renowned music festivals in the world. It attracts nearly 250,000 music fans to the shores of Lake Geneva each summer.
"We are delighted to see this dream come to life," says Mark Goedvolk, Founder of MJF Franschhoek. "Hosting the Festival in Franschhoek offers a unique opportunity to bridge cultural divides and create meaningful connections between emerging South African artists and the world's top international artists and music industry leaders."
The festival will also strengthen ties between tourism and culture in the valley.
"We are thrilled to have Franschhoek chosen to host this iconic festival," says Ruth McCourt, CEO of Franschhoek Wine Valley. "This marks a monumental milestone not only for the valley but for the entire continent."
Plans for the festival's debut edition will be finalized later this year, but music-lovers can look forward to a curated collection of international and local talent.
And we do mean local... the festival plans to partner with the Uncorked Music Academy at Franschhoek High School, aligning with the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation's mission to empower young talent.
"We are very excited to bring the Montreux Jazz Festival to Franschhoek," says Mathieu Jaton, CEO of the Montreux Jazz Festival. "This new collaboration marks a historic moment... and we are honored to work alongside local partners who share our passion for live music, creativity and hospitality."
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