Adolf Kaure
Jimmy Dludlu from Mozambique will headline the 2026 Windhoek Jazz Festival line-up.
The City of Windhoek, in a recent press statement, confirmed that the highly acclaimed musician will be part of a line-up that will also include the South African act Artwork Sounds.
The annual event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 7 November 2026, at the Ramblers Stadium in Windhoek.
“The festival promises an exciting celebration of African jazz musical heritage and contemporary sounds, bringing together local and regional artists for an unforgettable musical experience,” said Windhoek spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya.
The festival will be hosted under the theme of celebrating African musical icons.
“It will feature an exciting line-up of performers, showcase the richness and diversity of African music, and create a platform for cultural exchange and artistic appreciation,” she added.
Tribute bands honouring two legendary African musicians, Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi.
The tribute performances will celebrate the enduring musical legacies of these iconic artists and their contributions to African jazz and music.
Local acts
The festival will also showcase some of Namibia’s finest musical talent, including Big Ben, Suzy Eises, Erna Chimu, Sagarias Tsam and Tisha Coetzee.
“Their performances will highlight the depth of local talent, and the important role Namibian artists play in enriching the country’s creative and cultural industries. The Windhoek Jazz Festival has become an important platform for celebrating music, bringing communities together and showcasing Namibia as a destination for cultural experiences. The 2026 edition aims to build on this legacy by offering audiences the chance to experience diverse African musical styles in one vibrant setting,” Amutenya said.
The 2016 Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) Male Artist of the Year, Venaune Kandukira, better known as Big Ben, is no stranger to the Jazz Festival stage, having performed there on many occasions.
The ‘Kaira’ hitmaker said the event will give his band a chance to showcase Namibia’s heritage to the world.
“It is an opportunity for me and my band to showcase our music and what Namibia is all about to the world. It is a platform where many people from Southern Africa and all over the world will gather,” he said.
Big Ben also promised fans they could expect to hear some of his latest hits.
“We will have some of our new music there coming from my ‘Venaune’ album. However, the audience should also expect the older classics like ‘Moro Moro’ and others,” Kandukira added.
Another local act, Suzy Eises, is not new to the Windhoek Jazz Festival. She expressed her excitement about performing at the festival, saying it is a more vibrant performing environment than the corporate events she usually performs at.
“I’m excited to perform with the band. I am used to performing solo at corporate events. The Windhoek Jazz Festival brings good festival vibes, and the energy is electric. It will be a good time for everyone to just have a good time and listen to good music,” said Eises.
Suzy Eises’ self-titled debut album was a resounding success. It earned her the Best Newcomer and Album of the Year awards at the 2018 NAMAs.
Ticket details
The City of Windhoek urged music lovers and jazz enthusiasts to join the celebration and experience an afternoon and evening of exceptional live music. Tickets for the festival are available on Webtickets.
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