Born in Escondido, California, of Italian descent, Gabrielle Cavassa began “obsessively listening” to records from a young age. Largely self-taught, she developed a unique approach to singing that would later characterize her artistry. Cavassa received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from San Francisco State University, but credits the Bay Area music scene for her “real education.” She moved to New Orleans in 2017, where she continued her education in local clubs. In 2020, Cavassa independently released an eponymous debut album produced by collaborator Jamison Ross. In 2021, she was crowned a winner of the prestigious International Sarah Vaughan Jazz Vocal Competition. Cavassa’s featured appearance on Joshua Redman’s 2023 Blue Note album, where are we prompted DownBeat to declare her “a star in the making.” Stereophile wrote that “For many, the revelation of this album will be Cavassa. Her voice gets under your skin. It is idiosyncratic, but it is trustworthy in its clarity and almost physical in its intimacy… her intuitive interpretations and riveting voice make you sit very still in your chair.”
@gabtron007
GIRLBAND!
8:00 PM |
MASSÉNA STAGE
GIRLBAND! is an alternative trio from Nottingham. They are a true force for good and a dynamic band that draws inspiration from the 1950s to the 1990s, creating a joyful and natural breath of fresh air in music unlike any other. A punk band that writes pop songs, drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and The Police, as well as female-fronted bands such as The Breeders, The Cranberries, and The Pretenders.
@girlbandhq
KASSA OVERALL
8:45
PM | THÉÂTRE DE VERDURE
A Grammy nominee, Kassa Overall is a musician, MC, singer, producer, and drummer who blends avant-garde experimentation with hip-hop production techniques to push the intersection of jazz and rap into uncharted territory. With ANIMALS, his debut album on Warp Records, Kassa takes his kaleidoscopic and subversive vision even further. ANIMALS is the sound of an artist aware of the price of embodying one’s most natural self under the public gaze—a profound confrontation with this double-edged truth: putting one’s freedom on display for an audience can also mean surrendering to a life behind bars.
@kassaoverall
NAÏKA
9:15 PM | MASSÉNA STAGE
Naïka is a Franco-Haitian artist whose music reflects her international background: a childhood spent traveling and growing up in various corners of the world (the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Kenya, France, South Africa, and the United States). She now describes herself as a “third-culture kid,” blending these global influences with Western pop, R&B, and soul. As an independent artist with three EPs to her credit, Naïka has built an international community of over 2 million fans, surpassing 165 million streams across all platforms. Her breakthrough single “Sauce” has gained international recognition. Naïka is also a dynamic figure in the world of fashion and visual storytelling: her bold and eclectic aesthetic has earned her collaborations with major luxury brands and renowned publications, including Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Elle, Fendi, Jamalouki Magazine, and 1309 Studios.
@naikamusic
GOTTS STREET PARK
10:30 PM
| THÉÂTRE DE VERDURE
Formed in Leeds by Josh Crocker (bass and production), Tom Henry (keyboards), and Joe Harris (guitar), the trio has developed a unique sound rooted in vintage soul and alt-R&B. With over 65 million streams on Spotify, the trio collaborates closely with a wide range of singers, including Celeste, Rosie Lowe, and Olive Jones. What began as a love for 1960s Motown has evolved into a genrespanning catalog—from the cinematic EP *Diego* to a growing number of collaborations that continue to expand their universe. In 2026, this universe expands even further on stage—from their first concerts in the United States to headlining at London’s Roundhouse—inviting more people than ever to join them on stage.
@gottsstreetpark
STING
11:00 PM | MASSÉNA STAGE
Throughout his illustrious career, Sting, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has won 17 Grammy Awards and sold 100 million albums worldwide. A singer-songwriter, actor, and activist, Sting, former lead singer/bassist of The Police, has become one of the world’s most renowned artists, also earning a Golden Globe Award, four Academy Award nominations, a Tony Award nomination, the Billboard Century Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors. Alongside his artistic career, Sting supports human rights organizations such as the Rainforest Fund, which he founded with his wife Trudie Styler to protect tropical forests and indigenous peoples, as well as Amnesty International, and Live Aid, among others.
@theofficialsting
Friday 24 july
MARIO CANONGE TRIO
7:30 PM | THÉÂTRE DE VERDURE
A great composer and iconic pianist from Martinique, Mario Canonge is recognized worldwide as one of the most illustrious musicians in the history of the Caribbean. Thanks to his inimitable touch and piano style, rooted in the pure Martinique tradition, he became a true legend at a very early age. With his left hand, one can hear the Bèlè drum beating, the heart of Madinina (Martinique), and with his virtuoso right hand, one can easily sense the vigor and heat of Mount Pelée erupting.
Mario Canonge seems to have found his spiritual and artistic essence with his magical trio, imbued with earthy tones.
Like the three elements of “AYURVEDA”, Mario Canonge, Michel Alibo and Arnaud Dolmen poetically reveal themselves.
After more than twenty albums to his name, this new opus titled CALDEIRA (the circular depression at the heart of a volcano) showcases the trio’s sophisticated music, born from an eruption of ideas as creative as they are innovative.
@mariocanonge / @arnauddolmen
DURAND BERNARR
8:00 PM | MASSÉNA STAGE
Durand Bernarr is a GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and visionary artist who has established himself as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary R&B. Originally from Cleveland, he grew up in a family of musicians—his father was a sound engineer and his mother a vocal coach—who nurtured his deep connection to music. Renowned for his electrifying performances, Durand is a captivating showman who continually pushes the boundaries of live performance. His new album, BLOOM, represents a deeply personal milestone in his career, celebrating love in all its forms. With his bold style and authenticity, Durand Bernarr continues to redefine modern R&B, captivating his audience and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
@durandbernarr
NUBIYAN TWIST
8:45 PM | THÉÂTRE DE VERDURE
Nubiyan Twist is undoubtedly one of the most exciting live acts among this young generation of British musicians who are unapologetically shaking up the conventions of contemporary jazz. It was in London’s clubs that these musicians crafted their exhilarating blend of neo-soul, jazz-funk, Afro-groove, and broken beat. Their style is often described as festive, danceable, and socially conscious, with a strong multicultural dimension. The group has collaborated with several major figures in international music, including Tony Allen, Fatoumata Diawara, Nile Rodgers, and Seun Kuti.
@nubiyantwist
NOGA EREZ
9:15 PM | MASSÉNA STAGE
Noga Erez is a visionary musician and producer with an innate talent for blending genres and pushing creative boundaries. She, along with her partner and producer Rousso, has emerged as a trailblazing force in the contemporary music scene. Her unique sonic palette creates a mesmerizing fusion that defies conventional categorization. Noga’s clever lyrics, coupled with her infectious melodies and powerful vocals, have earned her widespread acclaim and a dedicated global following. With a string of successful releases, Noga Erez has cemented her position as a boundary-pushing artist, consistently reinventing herself with each new project. Her live performances are known for their infectious energy and dynamic stage presence, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact on all who experience her music firsthand. As she continues to evolve and captivate the music world, Noga Erez remains an inspiring and influential figure, a true artistic force that is destined to shape the future of music.
@nogaerez
CYMANDE
10:30 PM | THÉÂTRE DE VERDURE
Formed in the early 1970s in London by musicians from the Caribbean, Cymande (pronounced sah-man-day) is the most influential Black British band of its generation. Pioneers of a unique sound fusing jazz, funk, soul, and Caribbean grooves, the group made history (as the first British band to play at New York’s Apollo Theater) before being widely sampled by hip-hop icons (De La Soul, The Fugees, MC Solaar...).
But Cymande’s talent isn’t confined to the past: led by founders Patrick Patterson and Steve Scipio, the group is making a strong comeback with Renascence (BMG).
Recorded in London, this critically acclaimed new album recaptures the magic of their early days while infusing it with a vibrant modernity, enhanced by collaborations with singer Celeste and Jazzie B (Soul II Soul).
After setting the stages of Glastonbury and New York’s Central Park ablaze before audiences of all generations, Cymande is coming to the Nice Jazz Festival. A historic encounter with the pioneers of groove!
@cymande_official
BUSTA RHYMES
11:00 PM | MASSÉNA STAGE
Busta Rhymes has been a key figure in East Coast hip-hop since the mid-1990s. Of Jamaican descent, he grew up in Brooklyn and then Long Island, where he began freestyling at the age of 17. Today, he has a masterful, hyper-fast flow, laced with humor. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with Public Enemy, The Notorious B.I.G., Janet Jackson, Mary J Blige, TLC, Jay-Z, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, The Fugees, Lenny Kravitz, and Mariah Carey, to name but a few. Busta Rhymes has released 11 albums between 1996 and 2023, and it is an honor and a privilege that he will be sharing them with us on stage at the Nice Jazz Fest this summer!
@conglomerateent
Saturday 25 july
BIRÉLI LAGRÈNE
7:30 PM | THÉÂTRE DE VERDURE
After a career spanning more than forty years, Biréli Lagrène has already made his mark on jazz history. His contribution to reinventing the use of the guitar has been praised by his most prestigious contemporaries: John Scofield, Mike Stern, Lionel Loueke, and even George Benson have each expressed their admiration for this prodigious musician. Biréli Lagrène has helped modernize gypsy jazz while honoring the legacy of Django Reinhardt. Today, he inspires many young musicians through his musical innovation, virtuosity, and openness to different genres. He is recognized as a major figure in contemporary French and international jazz.
#birelilagrene
THE GETDOWN
8:00 PM | MASSÉNA STAGE
The Getdown is a collective led by organist Laurent Coulondre and drummer Arnaud Dolmen. It features a unique combination of organ, drums, Fender, piano, and keyboards. Joining them are pianists Rolando Luna and Mario Canonge. Rounding out the organ, keyboards, and drums are the talented saxophonist Ferdi and trumpeter Yasek Manzano, as well as the promising flutist Mélodie Spartacus. Driven above all by the joy of playing, this collective is dedicated to groove and celebration, taking us to Guadeloupe, Cuba, and more broadly to the Caribbean, with swing, funk, melodies, and of course, jazz.
@arnauddolmen / @mariocanonge
THE JAMES CARTER QUINTET
COLTRANE: A CENTENNIAL SUPREME
8:45 PM | THÉÂTRE DE VERDURE
“Listening to saxophonist James Carter is mind-blowing,” declares The Washington Post. From moonlit ballads to funky grooves and the most cerebral post-bop, whether in an intimate club or on a festival’s main stage, the Detroit-born saxophonist seems to encapsulate the entire history of jazz in a single set. The New York Times, for its part, has described James Carter as “one of jazz’s most charismatic and powerful soloists,” noting his complete mastery of his instruments. On the intimate stage of the Théâtre de Verdure, James Carter will fill the evening with his talent and musical sensitivity.
#jamescartersax jamescarterlive.com
GABRIEL JACOBY
9:15 PM | MASSÉNA STAGE
A distinctive voice and unique style are the hallmarks of Gabriel Jacoby, the rising star of the urban-soul scene. Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Gabriel Jacoby bridges the gap between soul and hip-hop. Having appeared on A COLORS SHOW and On The Radar Radio, the artist released his project EP in November 2025 on Pulse Records. The next big star of the R&B scene, Gabriel Jacoby is preparing to take the stage at Masséna to showcase his talent and unique style to the audience and leave a lasting impression.
@gabrieljacoby_
OBONGJAYAR
10:30 PM | THÉÂTRE DE VERDURE
Obongjayar’s sound is a unique blend of the worlds he has experienced: Nigeria, where he was raised in Calabar, and London, where he moved as a teenager. He fuses pop and West African influences, which he enhances with his punk sensibility for spellbinding live performances. He won an Ivor Novello award for his unique songwriting, ranked in the Top 5 with over 225 million streams for his contribution to Fred Again’s song Adore u, and collaborates with artists such as Jeshi, Little Simz, and Pa Salieu.
After a critically acclaimed debut album, Some Nights I Dream Of Doors, OB proves in this second opus, Paradise Now, that he is ready to live and flourish in the present moment.
Self-acceptance, trance, grief, loneliness, FOMO, procrastination, and nights you never want to end are all topics explored in this journey into the heart of the subconscious.
Produced between London and Los Angeles with Kwes Darko (Pa Salieu, John Glacier), Yeti Beats (Doja Cat), and Beach Noise (Kendrick Lamar, Baby Keem, Bakar), this album contains some of his most intimate stories, wrapped in electro-pop synths, soaring strings, and infectious percussion.
Obongjayar is one of the most exciting modern voices in the United Kingdom.
@obongjayar
LOLA YOUNG
11:00 PM | MASSÉNA STAGE
Lola Young is a British singer-songwriter from South London whose distinctive voice and raw, emotional songwriting blend contemporary soul, alternative pop, and R&B influences.
A graduate of the prestigious BRIT School, she has quickly established herself as one of the most promising new talents on the British music scene. She came to the public’s attention after being nominated for the Brit Award Rising Star in 2021 and then being named to the BBC Sound of 2022 list; her debut album, My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely, solidified her sensitive and introspective artistic vision. With her second album, This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway, she broke through internationally thanks to tracks like Messy and Conceited, which went viral on social media.
Buoyed by this success, she won her very first Grammy Award in the Best Pop Solo Performance category for Messy on February 1, 2026. A few weeks later, she also made her mark at the Brit Awards by winning the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award.
@lolayounggg
PUBLIC ENTRANCE : PROMENADE
DES ANGLAIS
July 23:
Village opens at 5:30 p.m. and concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.
July 24 & 25:
Village opens at 6:00 p.m. and concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.
VILLAGE
MASSÉNA STAGE TICKET OFFICE
des Anglais Av.deVerdun
Av.MaxGallo
ENTRANCE
Entrance
Rue St-François de Paule
Esplanade
Georges
Pompidou
Quai des États-Unis
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES DRINKS FOOD DJ
Safe Zone by *
TARIFS BY
NIGHT FROM JULY 23 TO JULY 25 2026
Group rate
(valid for groups of 6 or more on the same evening)
Reduced Rate
- Families (2 adults + 2 or more paying children aged 4 to 17)
- Students (upon presentation of a current student ID with photo)
- Seniors (age 65 and older upon presentation of a photo ID, or holders of the Senior Plus card upon presentation of the card)
- Job seekers (upon presentation of photo ID + proof of job seeker status for the current year)
- People with reduced mobility/people with disabilities (upon presentation of a disability card indicating 80% disability or higher)
- Companion for a person with reduced mobility (1 companion per person with reduced mobility)
Children ages 0–3
A ticket will be issued at the festival entrance upon presentation of a valid ID
Online sales transaction fee per shopping cart: €1.40
TICKETS & INFORMATION
Book online at nicejazzfest.fr
Ticket office at Place Masséna from Saturday, July 11, to Saturday, July 25 (except July 14)
From 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekends. And from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM during the festival.
• Tickets can be purchased with cash, credit cards, vacation vouchers, and Culture Passes
• Food and beverage payments on-site can be made with credit cards or cash
• July 23: The festival village opens at 5:30 PM and concerts begin at 7:30 PM.
• July 24 & 25: The festival grounds open at 6:00 PM and concerts begin at 7:30 PM.
Schedules, programming, and performance order are subject to change without notice.
la Merenda village
La Merenda Village at the Nice Jazz Fest’ will open its doors once again this year.
Nestled in the heart of the festival, in a cozy atmosphere, the village will feature relaxation areas, food and drink stands, and entertainment.
Between each set at the Théâtre de Verdure, DJs will provide musical entertainment, while bands from the Fest’Off will kick off the pre-show events.
The whole experience will take place in a warm atmosphere, filled with colors inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Nice Jazz Fest.
Check out
23 • 25 JULY 2026
JULY 18–26
JAZZ TAKES OVER THE STREETS OF NICE
The goal? To offer creative, original, and festive experiences in the heart of Nice and at its markets.
Kicking off on July 18 with a special concert by the Frères Jacquard, the Fest’ OFF continues through July 26. Brass bands, street performances, duos, and trios will fill the heart of Nice and the Libération and Saint-Roch markets with music for seven days.
Les Frères Jacquard Ze New Bestoufle
Saturday 18 july 7:30 Pm Place du palais de Justice
THE LIBÉRATION AND SAINT-ROCH MARKETS
July 19–25, mornings (except July 20 and 21)
Performances by jazz and gypsy jazz duos and trios to create an intimate musical atmosphere.
CITY TOURS
July 20–25
Musical strolls in the late afternoon and early evening: New Orleans, rock, soul, funk…
• Place Masséna / Miroir d’Eau / Espace J. Médecin (alley): musical machine,
• Place Masséna, pedestrian street, Place Magenta and Place Grimaldi,
• Place du Pin and Place Garibaldi,
• Place du Palais de Justice, Place Gautier and Cours Saleya.
LOU GIROU
From July 16 to 25, music takes over Nice.
Restaurateurs, movie theaters, beach operators, bars, organizations, and hoteliers are invited to play a key role in the Nice Jazz Fest!, spreading a shared and infectious musical energy throughout the city to everyone, through concerts, film screenings, happy hours…
