Gent Jazz adds 16 names and an extra festival day featuring Ludovico Einaudi and Ballaké Sissoko
Trixie Whitley, Bab L’Bluz, Ballaké Sissoko, MARO, Bruno Berle, Michelle David & The True Tones, Sorvina, Bodem, Brahja Trio, RAMAN, Space Quartet, TROY, BEX, Aron!, Mattias De Craene ft. Black Koyo, Mei Semones
Gent Jazz continues to expand its 2026 programme with the addition of 16 new artists, further enhancing the previously announced festival days. Following overwhelming demand, tickets for Ludovico Einaudi’s performance on 14 July sold out rapidly, prompting the addition of an extra festival day on 15 July. On both days, the renowned Italian maestro will be joined by Ballaké Sissoko, one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary African music.
On 9 July, when Patti Smith and her quartet take to the stage at the Bijloke site, Moroccan-French band Bab L'Bluz complete the main stage line-up for the day. Led by singer Yousra Mansour and her co-musicians, the band blends rock, blues and Afrobeat with traditional influences from the Gnawa, Amazigh, Hassani and Houara cultures. As this festival day is almost sold out, festival goers are encouraged to book their tickets soon.
On 11 July, Sorvina will be opening a festival day that celebrates female artistry and empowerment, featuring performances by, among others, Celeste, Olympia Vitalis and Mari Froes. With her fusion of spoken word, jazz and hip-hop, Sorvina sets the tone right from the start. On 12 July — featuring Tamino and Ão — it is MARO’s turn. The Portuguese singer, who has previously collaborated with Eric Clapton, Lizzy McAlpine, Ivan Lins and Sílvia Pérez Cruz, gained international recognition with the poignant ‘Saudade, Saudade’. At Gent Jazz, she will perform intimate and understated songs from her latest album ‘So Much Has Changed’.
On 14 and 15 July, Ballaké Sissoko takes to the main stage. The renowned Malian kora virtuoso recently released ‘Our Calling’ with British artist Piers Faccini, and has previously collaborated with Ludovico Einaudi — who follows him on the bill. This time, he steps into the spotlight with a compelling solo performance. While tickets for 14 July have already sold out, an additional festival day featuring Ludovico Einaudi and Ballaké Sissoko, has been added on 15 July.
And last but not least: Ghent–New York soul sensation Trixie Whitley joins the 17 July lineup, alongside Mei Semones, who brings dreamy folk-jazz infused with Japanese influences.
The Garden Stage will once again play host to a multitude of exciting new talent throughout the festival. On 2 July, jazz trio Bodem opens the programme, performing their vibrant and sun-soaked album ‘Lush and Alive’ (2025). Later that day, the Brahja Trio — led by New York-based saxophonist, drummer and composer Devin Brahja Waldman — brings their jazz project to the stage. On 4 July, Ghent-based RAMAN unveils ‘I Do’ (2026), a debut album rich in emotion and intensity. On 5 July, we welcome Space Quartet, the improvisational collective led by Nicolas Mortelmans, whose latest album ‘Space’ was recorded entirely through live improvisation, in collaboration with renowned artists such as Roland van Campenhout, Stef Kamil Carlens and Tim Vanhamel. Also appearing on 5 July on the Garden Stage is Brazilian composer, poet and multi-instrumentalist Bruno Berle. A performance that promises many musical treats.
On 7 July, Michelle David & The True Tones take over the Garden Stage with a blistering soul set, driven by David’s powerful gospel voice. Take us to church! On 11 July, TROY opens the festival day: With his track ‘Run’ and a fresh blend of blues, beats, rap, soul and jazz, he deservedly earned his place as one of the stand-out winners of Studio Brussels’ ‘Nieuwe Lichting’. Also appearing that day: BEX, an emerging talent who seamlessly blends indie, R&B and soft rap. On 13 July, singer-songwriterAron! envelops us in a warm and intimate atmosphere, courtesy of his smooth jazz-pop melodies. Finally, on 16 July, Mattias De Craene (Nordmann, MDC III) joins forces with Brussels-based Gnawa ensemble Black Koyo, for a live performance of their forthcoming collaborative album, which is set for release in April. A performance not to be missed!
Some festival days are at last ticket or have already sold out, so don't wait too long, book your tickets now at www.gentjazz.com.
