From Diana Ross to Ezra Collective, the 2025 edition of the NN North Sea Jazz Festival promises to be a powerful showcase of Black musical talent and influence. Held from 11th to 13th July 2025 at the iconic Ahoy Centre in Rotterdam, the world’s largest indoor music festival continues to champion the artists, genres and legacies rooted in Black culture.
Since its launch in 1976, the North Sea Jazz Festival has stood as a beacon for musical excellence. It has welcomed legends such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Prince, Amy Winehouse and Adele. In 2025, the tradition continues with more than 1,000 musicians delivering 150 performances across 15 stages – an extraordinary celebration of jazz, soul, blues, funk and everything in between.
A Star-Studded Line-Up
This year’s headliners include a formidable line-up of Black and Black-led artists from across the globe. Diana Ross, a music icon whose influence spans decades, leads the bill alongside Mary J. Blige, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. UK’s own Jorja Smith, Mercury Prize-nominated Ezra Collective, and boundary-pushing saxophonist Kamasi Washington also join the bill, highlighting the breadth of contemporary Black talent.
The festival will also feature genre-blending artists such as Jacob Collier (artist-in-residence), Nubya Garcia, Lady Blackbird, Celeste, and Maxwell. Other notable names include ANOHNI & The Johnsons, Thee Sacred Souls, Samara Joy, ganavya, Jordan Rakei, and Aja Monet—whose poetic and political works continue to inspire.
New additions to the 2025 line-up include Brazilian icon Seu Jorge, legendary percussionist Sheila E. with The E-Train featuring Pete Escovedo, salsa giants El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, and a powerful tribute to the late Wayne Shorter, performed by the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and a host of jazz luminaries.
A Hub for UK Music Fans
For UK audiences, the North Sea Jazz Festival is closer than you might think. With direct trains from London St Pancras, short-haul flights, and ferry connections from multiple UK ports, this musical pilgrimage is more accessible than ever.
And it’s not just about the music. It’s a cultural experience, a vibrant space where people from across the world come together to honour the power of music rooted in Black heritage – from traditional jazz to Afrobeat, R&B to experimental soul.
With a line-up that spans generations, continents, and styles, the NN North Sea Jazz Festival 2025 is more than a music festival — it’s a testament to the global reach and enduring brilliance of Black music and creativity. For anyone seeking to celebrate Black artistry in all its glory, Rotterdam is the place to be this July.
To explore the full line-up and book tickets, visit:
www.northseajazz.com