From July 23 to 25, 2026, the city of Nice will again host the world’s oldest jazz festival on the Masséna stages and at the Théâtre de Verdure. This edition celebrates musical openness and fosters a dialogue between jazz heritage and the sounds of hip-hop, soul, and pop.
The Nice Jazz Fest first took place in 1948, and the guest of honor was the legendary Louis Armstrong. This year’s lineup offers three days of discoveries, balancing international headliners and emerging artists. On Thursday, July 23, the icon Sting will blend his gift for crafting pop melodies with the elegance of jazz improvisation. He will be accompanied by rising talents such as the British trio GirlBand!, which brings a joyful punk-pop energy, and the Franco-Haitian artist Naïka, whose cosmopolitan style deftly fuses pop, soul, and R&B.
Also on the lineup is the hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes, renowned for his ultra-fast flow and his humor. Spectators will also be able to groove to Obongjayar’s Afrobeat-infused pop, as well as to the introspective soul world of British artist Lola Young, who was recently honored at the Grammys and Brit Awards. Not to be missed is the rising star Gabriel Jacoby, who will present his tracks that weave together soul, R&B, and hip-hop for a genuinely chill and authentic performance.
Nice Jazz Fest, from July 23 to 25, 2026, more information and the full lineup at https://www.nicejazzfest.fr/fr/
