Ronel Jazz N'Djamena Festival
Jazz · N'Djamena, Chad — 6th edition, November 18 to 21, 2026: “The Women of Jazz and of Chad”
Jazz
The festival
N'Djamena has its own jazz rendezvous, and it keeps growing. Born in 2017 at the initiative of the Djamah-Afrik Association (founded in 2008), the Ronel Jazz N'Djamena Festival set itself a mission: make jazz a music for everyone in Chad — take it out of insider circles and bring it to the wider public, into the streets and popular spaces. The association also runs the Chad Jazz Education school, where students work on local rhythms and learn music writing; its pilot phase, launched in 2023, trained ten students, and the school officially opened its doors this year.
The 6th edition: the women of jazz and of Chad
Unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at the Chad Jazz Education school (Sabangali district, 3rd arrondissement), the 6th edition will run from November 18 to 21, 2026 under the theme “The Women of Jazz and of Chad”. The goal: shine a light on women's contribution to music — seven girls already attend the school — and promote jazz to the wider public. Seven countries are invited. The announced headliner is Ivorian bassist Manou Gallo, “The African Queen of Bass” and former bassist of Zap Mama; also announced are saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Chadian guitarist Bertrand Maillar and Cameroon's Kayou Roots. On the programme: brand-new creations, masterclasses and a gala evening, across ten venues in the capital.
Good to know
The full programme and ticketing are announced in the festival's official communications — its official Facebook Page (below) is the reference to plan your stay in N'Djamena.