In N'Djamena, Jazz Turns Feminine: Ronel Jazz Unveils Its 6th Edition

N'Djamena — The festival chose a jazz school to tell its story. On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the Djamah-Afrik Association gathered the press at the Chad Jazz Education school, in the Sabangali district, in the capital's 3rd arrondissement, to present the outlines of the 6th Ronel Jazz N'Djamena Festival, set for November 18 to 21, 2026.

The goal is twofold: shine a light on women's contribution to music, and bring jazz to the wider public. For the festival's director general, Yem-Asba Nalalta, the theme goes to the very history of jazz: “Many women have contributed to the history of jazz, but officially they are relegated to the background.” At the Chad Jazz Education school, seven girls are now learning instruments — a new generation the festival wants to see grow on stage.

© Ronel Jazz N'Djamena Festival / Djamah-Afrik — 6th edition press conference, Chad Jazz Education school, N'Djamena, November 11, 2026

Manou Gallo as headliner

To embody the message, the festival has named a headliner: Ivorian bassist Manou Gallo, dubbed “The African Queen of Bass” by Bootsy Collins and a former bassist of Zap Mama. Also announced: saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart, a professor at Berklee, Chadian guitarist Bertrand Maillar, returning home with his teachers, and Cameroon's Kayou Roots, back for the second year in a row. Seven countries are invited to this edition.

Across the four days: brand-new creations by Chadian, African and European artists, masterclasses for Chad Jazz Education students and N'Djamena musicians, activities spread over ten venues, and a gala evening. Born in 2017 and run by the Djamah-Afrik Association — founded in 2008, which also runs the school — the festival stands by one conviction: Chad is also a land of creation.

© Ronel Jazz N'Djamena Festival / Djamah-Afrik — 6th edition press conference, November 11, 2026