By Rinelda Mouton
Organisers of the 2026 Windhoek Jazz Festival said this years event celebrates African jazz, musical heritage and contemporary African sounds, bringing together artists for an afternoon and evening of exceptional live music.
The festival will take place on 7 November at the Ramblers Stadium in Windhoek.
Talents such as Jimmy Dludlu (Mozambique), Artwork Sounds (South Africa), Hugh Masekela Tribute Band (South Africa), Oliver Mtukudzi Tribute Band (Zimbabwe) including locals acts Erna Chimu, Suzy Eises, Big Ben, Sagarias Tsam and Tisha Coetzee will have the crowd on their feet.
City of Windhoek Spokesperson Lydia Amutenya says the theme for the 2026 festival is “Celebrating African Musical Icons.”
“The theme recognises and honours artists whose music has shaped Africa’s cultural identity and inspired generations across the continent and beyond. It encourages appreciation of Africa’s rich musical heritage while also highlighting the role contemporary artists play in preserving and advancing these traditions,” Amutenya says.
Amutenya says this year’s edition places a stronger focus on celebrating African musical legends through dedicated tribute performances honouring the late Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi.
She adds the programme has also been curated to showcase a blend of established international artists and local talent, creating a richer cultural and musical experience for festival-goers.
She said the tribute performances will celebrate the lives, music and enduring legacies of Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi, two of Africa’s most influential musicians who have glaced the Windhoek Jazz Festival stage before.
Audiences can expect performances inspired by their iconic catalogues and artistic contributions.
Amutenya says the aim of the tribute performances is to preserve and honour their musical heritage while introducing their work to younger generations.
While previous editions have celebrated jazz heritage broadly, the dedicated tribute concept is a distinctive feature of the 2026 programme.
Amutenya says Jazz remains one of the world’s most influential musical genres and has deep roots in African culture and storytelling.
She said hosting a jazz festival in Namibia provides a platform to celebrate this heritage while supporting local musicians, creating cultural exchange opportunities and contributing to the development of the creative economy.
According to Amutenya the festival also broadens the country’s cultural offering and positions Windhoek as a destination for quality arts and entertainment events.
“The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class African jazz and live entertainment in one setting. Attendees can enjoy outstanding performances, celebrate African culture, support local artists and businesses, and be part of an event that promotes unity and cultural appreciation,” she says.
Amutenya says besides music the event will provide opportunities for a variety of food, beverage and merchandise vendors to participate.
“By the event we are also supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses. We want to be showcasing local products and services to a diverse audience,” she said.
Amutenya says since the festivals inception, it has evolved into one of the city’s flagship cultural events.
She said it has grown in artistic diversity, audience appeal and regional recognition.
“The festival has consistently expanded opportunities for local artists while attracting acclaimed performers from across the continent. Each edition continues to strengthen its cultural impact and contribution to the local creative economy,” she said.
Amutenya says The City of Windhoek (CoW) will suppor initiatives that enrich the cultural life of residents, create opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs, and contribute to social and economic development.
