Nosy Be Jazz Festival

View on map
MusicNosy Be/Antananarivo
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
DurationSpringEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsThe festival's origins as informal jam
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: MGA
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Nosy Be Jazz Festival in Nosy Be/Antananarivo

The Nosy Be Jazz Festival is Madagascar's first international jazz and urban-music festival, begun in 2003 as informal jam sessions among expatriate musicians on the island of Nosy Be. It has grown into a major free event organized with tour operator Za-Tours and production company Sunny Live Music, spanning traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms to contemporary fusion with Malagasy and international performers.

The Nosy Be Jazz Festival traces its origins to something far more modest than the international event it has become: informal jam sessions held among expatriate musicians living on Nosy Be, an island off Madagascar's northwest coast known for its beaches and tourism industry.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival's origins as informal jam sessions among expatriate musicians give it an organic history uncommon among major festivals, which typically launch as planned commercial productions from the outset

02

The mystery stays covered

Its evolution from that grassroots beginning in 2003 into Madagascar's first international jazz and urban-music festival marks a significant expansion in scale and ambition

03

The city starts moving

The involvement of tour operator Za-Tours alongside production company Sunny Live Music combines tourism promotion with professional event staging, helping the festival reach both the local Nosy Be community and international visitors

04

The water draws everyone in

Musically, the festival covers substantial ground, from traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms through to contemporary fusion styles, bringing together Malagasy musicians with international performers on shared stages, and its free admission broadens access across that mixed audience

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Since its informal beginnings as jam sessions among expatriate musicians in 2003

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the festival has kept live improvisation and cross-cultural musical exchange at its core

The sacred route

Living ritual

consistently pairing Malagasy performers with international artists and spanning genres from traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms to contemporary fusion across its editions

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

For Nosy Be Jazz Festival, plan transport around the exact Nosy Be/Antananarivo venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Casual, relaxed clothing suited to an island setting and outdoor evening concerts: light layers for daytime heat and cooler evening performances, with comfortable footwear for standing or...

Safety

Keep phone power, water, and a clear meeting point sorted before the main crowd arrives.

Where to stay

For Nosy Be Jazz Festival, stay near the part of Nosy Be/Antananarivo you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

MGA

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map18.91 S, 47.54 EOpen in Google Maps

Nosy Be/Antananarivo, Diana, Madagascar

Nearest airportTNR — Ivato
TransportFor Nosy Be Jazz Festival, plan transport around the exact Nosy Be/Antananarivo venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Nosy Be Jazz Festival, stay near the part of Nosy Be/Antananarivo you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Nosy Be/Antananarivo via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Nosy Be/Antananarivo, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare faresFestival gearCasual, relaxed clothing suited to an island setting and outdoor evening concerts: light layers for daytime heat and cooler evening performances, with comfortable footwear for standing or walking between stages.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Madagascar and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Nosy Be Jazz Festival?

Nosy Be Jazz Festival is listed for April · Spring. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Nosy Be Jazz Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Nosy Be/Antananarivo, Madagascar. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Spring is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Nosy Be/Antananarivo, Diana, Madagascar

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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