Sting, Busta Rhymes and Lola Young Headline a Star-Studded Nice Jazz Fest 2026

 

The countdown has officially begun for the 2026 Nice Jazz Fest, as organizers have unveiled a vibrant and ambitious lineup that promises three unforgettable days of music from July 23 to 25.

Featuring 18 concerts across two stages, this year's festival will blend international superstars, jazz legends, emerging talents, and genre-defying performers in the heart of the French Riviera.

Leading the bill is global music icon Sting, who will open the festival on July 23. Known for timeless hits such as Roxanne, Every Breath You Take, and Englishman in New York, Sting represents the festival's biggest booking of the year and is expected to draw music lovers from across Europe. His appearance has already generated significant excitement, reflected in the premium ticket pricing for opening night.

According to festival artistic director Sébastien Vidal, the event’s closing act is equally compelling. Rising British sensation Lola Young will headline the final evening on July 25. Young has become one of the fastest-rising stars in contemporary music thanks to her breakout hit Messy, a song that has captivated audiences worldwide. Vidal describes her as “one of the most moving voices of her generation,” making her one of the festival’s most anticipated performers.

A Carefully Curated Musical Journey

Opening night will showcase an eclectic blend of jazz, R&B, and alternative sounds. Alongside Sting, audiences will discover artists such as Gabrielle Cavassa, Kassa Overall, Gotts Street Park, Girlband!, and the rapidly ascending French-Haitian singer Naïka. Vidal singled out Naïka as a breakout talent whose popularity has surged in recent months, predicting that many attendees coming for Sting will leave as new fans of her music.

The festival’s second day shifts toward hip-hop, funk, soul, and contemporary R&B, led by legendary rapper Busta Rhymes. A defining figure in East Coast hip-hop since the 1990s, Busta Rhymes will close the evening after a diverse lineup that includes the Mario Canonge Trio, Nubiyan Twist, Cymande, Durand Bernarr, and Noga Erez. The result is a musical journey that spans generations and genres while maintaining the festival’s jazz-inspired spirit.

The final night will combine jazz mastery with contemporary urban and soul influences. Audiences will experience performances from Gabriel Jacoby, Obongjayar, The Getdown, and celebrated jazz guitarist Biréli Lagrène, whose distinguished career now spans four decades. Jazz enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to witness the acclaimed saxophone work of James Carter and his quintet before Lola Young brings the festival to a close.

A New Format for 2026

One of the most significant changes this year is the festival’s condensed format. Following municipal elections and organizational adjustments, Nice Jazz Fest has been reduced from four days to three. Festival officials insist the decision will allow for a more focused and audience-friendly experience while maintaining a packed and high-quality program.

The celebrations will continue beyond the main festival dates, with additional fringe events scheduled for July 26 in partnership with Live Nation, details of which will be announced later.

Supporting the Next Generation of Artists

Another major innovation for 2026 is the launch of the Nice Music Lab Talent Showcase, developed in partnership with the City of Nice and Sacem University under the patronage of renowned drummer Manu Katché. The initiative aims to identify and support emerging musicians from the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions.

Applications will be accepted from May 29 through July 5. Eight finalists will be selected to perform at the Théâtre de Verdure, with three winners receiving professional support and potentially earning the opportunity to perform during the festival itself.

Ticket Information

Ticket sales open on May 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

• July 23 (Sting): €90

• July 24: €45

• July 25: €45

• Three-day pass: €165

• Two-day pass (including July 23): €125

• Two-day pass (July 24 and 25): €80

With a lineup that brings together iconic performers, groundbreaking new voices, and world-class jazz musicians, Nice Jazz Fest 2026 is shaping up to be one of the summer’s premier musical events on the French Riviera.

From Sting’s legendary catalogue to Lola Young’s modern brilliance, the festival promises something for every music lover.