Crowds packed the Ramblers Stadium in Windhoek on 7 November for the 2026 edition of the Windhoek Jazz Festival, an afternoon and evening event held under the banner let’s jazz it up
, according to Allafrica.
Mozambican jazz star Jimmy Dludlu headlined the festival, sharing the bill with South African act Artwork Sounds and a roster of local Namibian talent including Suzy Eises, Erna Chimu, Sagarias Tsam, Big Ben, and Tisha Coetzee.
Organizers priced tickets at N$350, with gates opening at 15:00 at the Windhoek venue. The City of Windhoek stated that the festival serves as an important platform for cultural exchange and community celebration.
City of Windhoek Spokesperson Lydia Amutenya stated that the theme for the 2026 festival is Celebrating African Musical Icons.
This year’s programme introduced dedicated tribute performances honoring the late African musical icons Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi, with tribute bands performing interpretations of their catalogues. Amutenya noted that 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 graced the Windhoek Jazz Festival stage before.
The theme recognises and honours artists whose music has shaped Africa’s cultural identity and inspired generations across the continent and beyond.
Lydia Amutenya, City of Windhoek Spokesperson
Amutenya stated that jazz remains one of the world’s most influential musical genres and has deep roots in African culture and storytelling. She noted that 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.
Lydia Amutenya, City of Windhoek Spokesperson
Amutenya stated that each edition continues to strengthen its cultural impact and contribution to the local creative economy. She added that the City of Windhoek will support initiatives that enrich the cultural life of residents, create opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs, and contribute to social and economic development.
Photographic coverage captured crowd reactions and standout performances from the stadium floor as South African band Artwork Sounds led audiences through jazz renditions of hits from Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi.