Music
Jazz Cafe Festival 2026 – The perfect place for music discovery
Festivals aren't just about the headliners, they're also a chance to explore new genres and experience artists you haven't seen before.
The practice of music discovery has transformed dramatically since the introduction of streaming platforms, centralised algorithms, and the decline of high street music hubs like HMV. And with information fatigue and digital burnout on the rise, it can feel hard to engage with new forms of art and media solely through our phones or laptops. The people yearn for human curation and recommendations, so much so that music platform SoundCloud recently introduced The Upload – a weekly show that combines commentary from their editorial team with their music selections.
But festivals have always been a way to escape the screens. They give fans a chance to go outside and literally touch grass, whilst experiencing live music. This year’s Jazz Café Festival held at Burgess Park had hip hop and R&B heavy hitters Ari Lennox and Smino as headliners, and while their performances ignited the crowds across both the Parkway and Plant Room stages, the highlights for us were the artists we got to discover throughout the day. Artists we wouldn’t have typically seen without being at this year’s edition of the festival.
So, our roundup this year will be a little different. A little nudge to encourage you to arrive early and explore that a festival has to offer, here are our music discovery highlights at Jazz Café Festival 2026.
Amaria
For fans of sugary sweet, sensual R&B, Amaria is right up your alley. The artist lit up The Parkway stage at Jazz Cafe Festival with live renditions of her latest singles ‘Til We Meet Again’ and ‘Dream of You’, as well as her wider catalogue. If you’re a fan of Alex Isley, H.E.R. and Sade – you’ll want to check out Amaria.
Zengxrl
Zengxrl is your new favourite it girl DJ. Her set on the Arthi Hard stage was a true party starter, weaving from classic dancehall hits to baile funk and everything in between. If you’re looking for a DJ with a true knack for getting everyone and their nan on the dancefloor, Zengxrl is the person for the job.
Gabriel Jacoby
Who doesn’t love a strong Prince-esque vocal paired with funky guitar riffs and soulful R&B? If that sounds like a bit of you, Gabriel Jacoby is the artist you’re looking for. Not only were his vocals crystal clear on the Parkway Stage, his presence and performance quality were undeniable. Passersby stopped to stare, bar staff were nodding their heads – a star is a star, no matter who is watching. For fans of Jordan Rakei, Kyle Dion and the Dungeon Family.
namesbliss
![namesbliss ft DeeRiginal - Same Old Story [Official Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Evl5IQBxp7M/0.jpg)
Perhaps my personal favourite of the whole festival, rapper and grime MC namesbliss took over the Plant Room to deliver his off-kilter rhymes over future-looking yet equally nostalgic beats. Inviting guests on stage such as DeeRiginal, Paul Stephan, and his wife for a special dedication for ‘Wife Riddim’, he breezed through each song with ease of an industry veteran – a title he has earned through his years rapping in the underground scene since the 2010s. Now with his latest album, Where’s Bliss?, out in the world, it was only right to celebrate the release with a triumphant Jazz Cafe Festival set. For fans of rappers who knock any cypher or freestyle out of the park.
Nightmares on Wax
Sometimes you just want to dance to house music, downtempo soulful electronic hits and maybe even a sprinkling of Donna Summer’s ‘Love To Love You Baby’. That’s where Nightmares on Wax come in – playing a DJ set on the Four Corners stage, the legacy DJ kicked off the day with a set that ran the gamut of audience tastes. From 70s deep cuts to 90s house staples, Nightmares On Wax’s DJ set felt intimate and inviting. Something for everyone, where everyone wants to dance.
Mansur Brown
It’s hard to categorise an artist as singular as Mansur Brown, whose discography spans jazz, experimental rock, ambient electronic music, and whose talents include production, composition and songwriting. It’s futile to try. His set at Jazz Cafe proved just that; Mansur Brown moved from instrument to instrument, commanding the stage with his musical prowess whilst previewing new tracks from his upcoming album. Coupled with endearingly sincere votes of thanks to the audience for enjoying his set, Mansur Brown demonstrated a real love and passion for his artistry. For fans of Yussef Dayes, Alfa Mist and Yussef Kamaal.
(Photo by Nick Cunard/PYMCA/Avalon/Getty Images)
