MJF Spotlight

The MJF Spotlight initiative is a new music brand that will support up-and-coming talent and exciting music across all genres through digital content creation, such as recorded live sessions, promotion and special events, including a special showcase night at the Festival itself.

As part of MJF Spotlight, the team has been working closely with the major and independent labels, identifying its top 20 artists to watch this year, including rappers Pa Salieu and Ashnikko, jazz powerhouse Steam Down, Nigerian sensation Omah Lay as well as ground-breaking Latin artist Nathy Peluso.

MJF Spotlight will live year-round across the Festival’s channels. Each month, one up-and-coming talent will be selected as MJF Spotlight’s Artist of the Month. He or she will participate in the MJF Spotlight Sessions, which will be published both as exclusive video clips and live EP albums on streaming platforms. The Festival’s booking team will also curate playlists each month with new songs you need to know.

Commenting on MJF Spotlight’s launch, Mathieu Jaton, Montreux Jazz Festival CEO said: “The lack of concerts and festivals has a severe impact on the emergence of new artists. At Montreux Jazz Festival, hundreds of up-and-coming talent usually perform each summer on our various stages. With the launch of MJF Spotlight, we will now be able to promote new talent throughout the year on our digital channels, independently of the Festival line-up. This initiative brings together our booking team’s competence, Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation’s support to emerging talent and Montreux Media Ventures’ digital content expertise.“

Full MJF Spotlight Artists to Watch in 2021 list

Tate McRae

Ashnikko

Priya Ragu

SAULT

Nathy Peluso

TSHA

Giveon

Omah Lay

Channel Tres

Yseult

The Kid LAROI

The HU

Pa Salieu

JC Stewart

Yebba

Fousheé

Godford

Steam Down

Lila Iké

The Lathums