The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA) has revealed the official poster for its 2027 edition, designed by Michael Beckurts, a multi-disciplinary artist from Cape Town. The poster was unveiled on October 26, 2026, marking the start of the build-up to the festival, which will take place from March 19 to 21, 2027, in the Franschhoek Valley. This is the second edition of the festival in South Africa.
Michael Beckurts is the second South African artist to create the festival's poster, following Sam Nhlengethwa, who designed the artwork for the first Montreux Jazz Festival on African soil. Beckurts' jazz drawings convey movement, atmosphere, and rhythm, much like Nhlengethwa's depictions of musicians. Beckurts is known for drawing live at concerts, combining his love of music with observational skills.
Philip Beardwood, Managing Director of Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, praised Beckurts' work, saying that his drawings are an expression of the energy of a festival. Beardwood added that Beckurts' poster feels apt for the 2027 edition, and that they look forward to having him in Franschhoek in March to document the experience through his work. Beckurts expressed his gratitude for being recognized as an artist in this way.
The Montreux Jazz Festival poster tradition began in 1967 in Switzerland, where artists are commissioned to create the festival's poster. Over the decades, celebrated names in art and music, such as Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Damien Hirst, have been given creative freedom to interpret the festival. This tradition arrived in South Africa last year with Sam Nhlengethwa's poster for the first iteration of the Festival.
Mathieu Jaton, CEO of Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, welcomed Beckurts to this tradition, expressing delight in seeing South African artists picking up the mantle. Jaton added that they look forward to seeing how Beckurts' work carries the tradition forward. Beckurts will be a familiar sight at the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, where the team will support his access to all the action.
Michael Beckurts' artwork involves drawing people, nature, and architecture, which he then reworks digitally in his studio to produce limited edition prints. He has drawn at jazz concerts and live performances for several years, capturing the light, movement, and energy of the live performance in real time. Beckurts' relationship with drawing began in early childhood, and he went on to study design at the Cape Town Creative Academy.
As a wheelchair user, accessibility challenges are part of Beckurts' lived experience, and this extends to attending concerts. Most venues are inaccessible, but with careful planning and support, he finds a way to participate and contribute. The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek team will support his access to all the action. Pre-orders for limited edition, signed posters will open soon on the Festival's website.
Key points
- The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek will take place from March 19 to 21, 2027.
- Michael Beckurts is the second South African artist to create the festival's poster.
- The poster tradition began in 1967 in Switzerland and has featured celebrated artists such as Keith Haring and Andy Warhol.
