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First time: Montreux arrives in Franschhoek Friday to Sunday, 27 to 29 March. The line-up reads like a passport of musical brilliance and includes home-grown talent Thandiswa Mazwai

Montreux Jazz Festival makes African debut in Franschhoek

A legendary Swiss festival meets the Cape Winelands as Montreux launches its first African edition in Franschhoek with global stars and jazz visionaries

  • Library
7 min read
Dwson will be performing at the Cape Town International Jazz festival this weekend for the first time. Image: Supplied.

Dwson prepares for debut set at Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Dwson’s upcoming appearance at the major music festival in his hometown places his journey from local clubs to global stages into sharp, full-circle focus

  • Kibo Ngowi
4 min read
Amapiano kings: The appearance of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small reflects how deeply the festival has begun to engage with the evolving soundscape of the continent. Photo: Supplied

Cape Town International Jazz Festival composes its new era

From jazz legends to amapiano pioneers, CTIJF 2026 reflects a festival evolving with the times while remaining rooted in its rich cultural legacy

  • Eyaaz
7 min read
Masego at last year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Sabotage or Competition? Montreux Franschhoek Lands on Cape Town Jazz Festival Weekend

Two major jazz festivals. One weekend. The Western Cape’s music scene braces for an unusual clash between a global brand and a local institution.

  • Eyaaz
6 min read
Soulful: Join Freshlyground and Manana for a soulful evening of songs at Kirstenbosch on 18 January. Photo: Supplied

Diary: Freshlyground and Manana at Kirstenbosch Gardens; Cats at Teatro Montecasino; and Cape Wine Auction at Nederburg Wine Estate

Your essential dose of art and culture

  • Eyaaz
2 min read
Sunrays: Emotions of the Sun exhibition. Photo: Alex Webb Magnum Photos

Diary: Emotions of the Sun at Youngblood Gallery; Mayibuye iAfrika at the State Theatre; Gagasi FM Beach Fest in Durban; Makhelwane Festival in Soweto; Brett Murray at Norval Foundation

Your essential dose of art and culture

  • Eyaaz
3 min read
Illuminating: A still from the film WAT WAS HIE?, which explores indigenous histories through dance and poetry. Photo: Supplied

Diary: Colonial history films, Jazz Jol, Pride Parade and Music in the Gardens

Your essential dose of art and culture

  • Busi Lethole
3 min read
On stage: Dr Sibusiso Mashiloane will be performing tracks from ISIGQI — Live at the bird’s eye. Photo: Siya Meyiwa

Diary: Sibusiso Mashiloane on tour; Poetry Africa Festival; Ultimate Braai Festival

Your essential dose of art and culture

  • Eyaaz
2 min read
Leap: The Posh Vibrant Youth troupe at the Tweede Nuwe Jaar procession last year. Photo: Brenton Geach/ Gallo Images

Diary: Cape Town Photography Festival, Folklore Festival, Basha Uhuru Festival,

Your essential dose of art and culture

2 min read