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The inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival has had the Cape Winelands town of Franschhoek buzzing with a steady ebb of festival-goers enjoying a weekend of some of the best Jazz acts on this global stage.
Highlights have included Robert Glasper, Bokani Dyer and DJ Kenzhero, plus industry-led masterclasses and poster signings by acclaimed artist Sam Nhlengethwa. A last-minute medical emergency meant the unfortunate cancellation of performances by Salif Keita, who was unable to travel to South Africa.
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The festival is set to wrap up with a free-flowing celebration of live music, vinyl sets, and community connection on Sunday, 29 March. The Sunday Slowdown is set to transform Franschhoek’s Montreux Mile across its main Huguenot Street.
Pop-up performances and choral moments will entertain visitors from late morning, with artists including Sima Mashazi and Nick Turner, Albert Frost, Nomadic Orchestra, The Rivertones and Major Voices Choir, alongside DJ sets from Fred Spider and Protectionspel.
Rather than a grand finale, the festival leans into a more relaxed rhythm, with spontaneous dance areas, intimate listening sessions, and a village-wide soundtrack that invites attendees to savour the event without rushing.
A Village alive with music
In true Montreux style, this year’s Sunday Slowdown features a rich and diverse line-up of artists, for a final, easy-going reminder that great music is best shared.
- Sima Mashazi & Nick Turner Collaboration
- The Rivertones
- Nomadic Orchestra
- Major Voices Choir
- Albert Frost
- Uncorked Academy Band
- Melorie Jane Quintet
- Sinothando Arts & Culture Choir
- Shen FM + Lee Thomson
Adding to the atmosphere, vinyl culture continues with:
- DJ Fred Spider (a long-time Montreux favourite)
- DJ Protectionspel
The Jazz Village stays open on Sunday, with food stalls, wine tastings and local producers - including names like Anthonij Rupert, Boekenhoutskloof, Great Heart, Holden Manz, La Motte and Rickety Bridge keeping the atmosphere alive.
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