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The inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival 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, with its Arches stage completely sold out on the Saturday.
Highlights of the festival 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 wrapped up with a free-flowing celebration of live music, vinyl sets, and community connection on the Sunday, across Franschhoek’s Montreux Mile along its main Huguenot Street.
Pop-up performances and choral moments entertained 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 closed with 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 featured 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 continued with:
- DJ Fred Spider (a long-time Montreux favourite)
- DJ Protectionspel
The Jazz Village stayed 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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