The first artists of Jazz Middelheim 2025 promise a rich and varied line-up that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Jazz legend Dee Dee Bridgewater, with a career spanning more than four decades and several Grammys, will bring her masterful interpretations of classics and her bold spirit of innovation to Antwerp. For fans of psychedelic funk and rock à la Khruangbin, there is the Australian band Glass Beams, which creates a unique atmosphere by beautifully interweaving Eastern and Western influences. In addition, British band GoGo Penguin will also bring their eclectic sound full of futuristic jazz and electronica to the biggest stage.

The Bad Plus, stalwarts of the global scene for two decades, are also on the roster with a revamped formation, including guitar and saxophone. With an oeuvre full of bossa nova and samba, Marcos Valle will provide a tropical atmosphere, while Amaro Freitas will offer a beautiful mix of jazz with Afro-Brazilian spirituality. Next, Stéphane Galland, the artist in residence, together with his son Elvin, will invite Selah Sue and DJ Grazzhoppa on stage for a brand new show full of jazz, soul and hip hop. Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble will bring a transcendent blend of jazz, African rhythms, and spiritual energy. And finally, you can look forward to performances by Cinema Paradiso, ESINAM & Sibusile Xaba and many more.

More names will follow over the next few months.