Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek: Final Line-Up Revealed

Lalah Hathaway joins Robert Glasper & Bilal, as Matt Hansen, Tigran Hamasyan Manifeste and rising local talent Caleb Dlamini complete the line-up

Franschhoek, South Africa — Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek has completed the programme for its historic inaugural edition with the announcement of internationally acclaimed artists Matt Hansen and Tigran Hamasyan Manifeste, alongside exciting young South African ensemble Caleb Dlamini & Friends.

Organisers have also confirmed that Grammy-winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway will join Robert Glasper and special guest Bilal for a rare live collaboration when the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek takes place later this month.

From 27–29 March 2026, the legendary Swiss-born Montreux Jazz Festival makes its African debut in the beautiful Franschhoek valley, bringing together almost 40 global icons, African innovators and emerging talent in a vibrant celebration of musical discovery

Lalah Hathaway (US) — Joining Robert Glasper & Bilal

Grammy-winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway — credited as the “First Daughter of Soul” — will join Robert Glasper and special guest Bilal for a rare live collaboration at the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek. Known for her rich contralto voice and her ability to perform multiphonic singing, Hathaway is one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary soul and jazz.

She rose to fame in the 1990s with her self-titled debut album, whose single Heaven Knows peaked in the top five on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Her music is a sophisticated blend of contemporary R&B, soul, jazz, and pop. She cites her father Donny Hathaway, Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald as key influences.

Selected Discography: Lalah Hathaway (1990), A Moment (1994), Outrun the Sky (2004), Self Portrait (2008), Where It All Begins (2011), Honestly (2018), Vantablack: Expansion Pack (2025).

Matt Hansen (US) — The Arches Stage, Friday

With standout tracks like Yellowstone and Let Em Go, independent breakthrough artist Matt Hansen has proved that authentic storytelling can still resonate with audiences across the globe. The 26-year-old Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter explores themes of love, heartbreak, and emotional vulnerability with a diary-style approach that has earned him over 3 million TikTok followers and more than 1 billion streams worldwide. His performance at The Arches stage on Friday night promises to connect with a new generation of music lovers discovering Montreux for the first time.

This year sees the release of his highly anticipated debut album, Orchid — described as his most expansive and emotionally resonant work to date. Beyond studio work, he is known for a spontaneous live performance style ranging from full band to solo electric guitar. He has toured with Dean Lewis, Teddy Swims, and Alec Benjamin.

Selected Discography: Let Em Go (2023), Something to Remember (2023), Someone to You (2024), Yellowstone — Holding You (2025), Orchid (2026).

Tigran Hamasyan Manifeste (Armenia) — Jazz Village Stage, Friday

Award-winning pianist Tigran Hamasyan has built a dedicated following worldwide, praised by Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau and the late Chick Corea. He is considered one of the most remarkable jazz-meets-rock composers of his generation. He released his debut album, World Passion, in 2004 at the age of seventeen, and the following year won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition — having already claimed the 2003 Solo Piano Competition of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation.

Renowned for blending ancient Armenian folk music with modern jazz improvisation, progressive rock, and heavy metal, Hamasyan’s playing is characterised by intense emotional expression, technical skill, and deep engagement with complex, asymmetrical rhythms. His appearance at the Jazz Village stage — located in a historic church in the town — reflects the Montreux Jazz Festival’s philanthropic mission to support jazz talent throughout their artistic journey.

Selected Discography: World Passion (2006), A Fable (2011), Shadow Theater (2013), Luys i Luso (2015), Mockroot (2015), An Ancient Observer (2017), StandArt (2022), The Bird of a Thousand Voices (2024), Manifeste (2026).

Caleb Dlamini & Friends (SA) — Youth Showcase

Seventeen-year-old drummer and bandleader Caleb Dlamini represents a new generation of South African jazz talent. Influenced by the rich traditions of South African jazz as well as contemporary global sounds, his playing is characterised by lyrical phrasing, expressive improvisation and a maturity beyond his years. As a young bandleader, he is already demonstrating a keen musical vision, bringing together emerging musicians and collaborators to create performances that are both dynamic and rooted in community. His musical journey has been supported in part through FRANCO, the Montreux Jazz Festival ‘s legacy partner, who have provided access to education and instruments.

For this special Youth Showcase, Caleb is joined by promising young musicians from the Western Cape, including 13-year-old saxophonist Graigan Mentoor Papier — whose musical roots run deep in the renowned Papier Family Band, founded by his great-grandfather in 1932, and who has already appeared at the Chelsea Flower Show in the UK (2025). The ensemble also features Eya Nzazi on bass and Kyle Damons on piano, with local rap artists Ten Tripple One joining as MCs. Graigan will also make a cameo appearance with Kesivan Naidoo’s amaBig Band Experience.

Guidance from educators and mentors Shaun Johannes, Ramon Alexander and Duncan Johnson has helped nurture these young artists for this special performance

In Their Own Words

“What excites us most about this final programme is the meeting of generations — from globally celebrated artists to young musicians like Caleb Dlamini who represent the future of South African jazz. That has always been the magic of Montreux: extraordinary artists, unexpected collaborations and the feeling that something special can happen at any moment.”

— Raffaella Goedvolk, Co-founder, Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek

“Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek is more than a music event — it is a cultural moment. It celebrates creativity, connection, and the extraordinary depth of talent we have in South Africa and across the world. As Nedbank, we are proud to support an initiative that brings global artistry to our shores while creating meaningful opportunities for emerging musicians who represent the future of our creative economy.”

— Buli Ndlovu, Executive Head of Personal and Private Banking Marketing, Nedbank

About the Festival

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 — the weekend will unfold across stages and spaces in the Cape Winelands, blending world-class live performances, DJs and vinyl selectors with exceptional food, wine and immersive cultural experiences.

Park and Ride transport options are available from various destinations in Cape Town and the Winelands. Accommodation and transfers are managed through travel partner Tourvest:

www.tourvestdm.com/mjf

For full programme details, including the un-ticketed Sunday Slowdown:

www.mjfsa.com

Full Line-Up

Robert Glasper with Special Guests Lalah Hathaway & Bilal
Ezra Collective
Matt Hansen
Róisín Murphy
Salif Keita
Wet Wet Wet
Thandiswa Mazwai
Stacey Kent
Mandisi Dyantyis
DJ Kent
Tigran Hamasyan
Cassiem Latief and Leighton Moody
Msaki presents ENTROPY: The Heart as an Echo Chamber ft Jesse Clegg
DJ Zinhle
The Kesivan amaBig Band Experience ft. Boohle, Moonchild Sanelly and BONJ
Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence Ft Moss Mogale and Vusi Mahlasela
Rosey Gold
Kesivan & The Lights featuring The Swiss African Horns with special guest BONJ
Kyle Shepherd Trio
DJ Kenzhero
Home at Last: A tribute to Bheki Mseleku presented by Gareth Lockrane and Bokani Dyer
‘A Kind of Blue’ w/ Eddie Henderson, Javon Jackson, Donald Harrison, George Colligan, Buster Williams, Lenny White
Ramon Alexander Trio ft Buddy Wells
Lelowhatsgood
Brother Kujenga
Kwanti Leeh! (Herbie Tsoaeli, Andile Yenana, Ayanda Sikade, Sisonke Xonti)
The Ploemies & Friends
Madala Kunene x Sibusile Xaba
Caleb Dlamini & Friends
Trev The Japanese
DJ Mighty
Kay Faith
Lover.Friend
Sbu The Guy
Charles Leonard
Nelee
CandyFlip