First names announced for NN North Sea Jazz 2025
The initial lineup for the NN North Sea Jazz Festival 2025 has been revealed. The festival, scheduled for 11, 12, and 13 July at Rotterdam Ahoy, will welcome a diverse array of musicians, including Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, Kamasi Washington, Joe Bonamassa & Metropole Orkest, and Branford Marsalis.
Jacob Collier has been named Artist in Residence for this edition. The British singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and arranger, known for his innovative compositions, will perform each day of the festival. Other confirmed acts include Jorja Smith, Ezra Collective, Jonathan Jeremiah, Lady Blackbird, Omah Lay, DeWolff, Jordan Rakei, Thee Sacred Souls, Samara Joy, Avishai Cohen, Immanuel Wilkins, Julian Lage, and Tigran Hamasyan.
Special jazz projects and debuts
As in previous editions, the festival will present several unique jazz projects. Vibraphonist Jason Marsalis will lead the Lionel Hampton Big Band, which features musicians who previously played alongside the late jazz legend. Additionally, jazz vocalist Kurt Elling will perform with the Yellowjackets in a tribute to Weather Report.
This year also marks the festival debut of sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar. Other notable newcomers include poet and vocalist Aja Monet, Japanese keyboardist and singer Fujii Kaze, funk ensemble Ghost-Note, and Rotterdam-based R&B artist Naomi Sharon.
Current lineup
The complete list of announced performers includes:
Friday 11 July:
Avishai Cohen Quartet, Branford Marsalis Quartet, DeWolff, Ezra Collective, Jacob Collier (Artist in Residence), Jordan Rakei, Judith Hill, Julian Lage, Madeleine Peyroux, Mary J. Blige, Omah Lay, Victor Ray
Saturday 12 July:
Aja Monet, Fujii Kaze, Ghost-Note, Jacob Collier (Artist in Residence), Joe Bonamassa & Metropole Orkest, Jonathan Jeremiah, Lionel Hampton Big Band featuring Jason Marsalis, Mary Halvorson Amaryllis Sextet, Maxwell, Naomi Sharon, Samara Joy
Sunday 13 July:
Anoushka Shankar, Immanuel Wilkins Quartet, Jacob Collier (Artist in Residence), Jazzmeia Horn, Jorja Smith, Kamasi Washington, Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets celebrate Weather Report, Lady Blackbird, Lakecia Benjamin, Thee Sacred Souls, Tigran Hamasyan
More names are expected to be announced at a later date.
Ticket sales
The festival, now in its 48th edition, will feature over 150 performances across 17 stages. In addition to concerts, the event will include artist interviews, signing sessions, showcases, and exhibitions.
Tickets for three-day passes were sold out within hours in November. Single-day tickets will be available from Saturday, 1 February, via the North Sea Jazz website and Ticketmaster.
Getting there
The NN North Sea Jazz Festival takes place at Rotterdam Ahoy, located in the city’s south. Ahoy is accessible via metro (station Zuidplein), several bus lines, and by bicycle. For those travelling by car, parking is available on-site, though public transport is recommended due to high attendance.
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