Final night of CNSJ 2026 brought together jazz, reggae, Latin and zouk

WILLEMSTAD — Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival 2026 closed Saturday night with an especially diverse lineup, bringing together major names from jazz, reggae, Latin music and zouk on one festival ground.

One of the evening’s standout attractions was legendary American guitarist Al Di Meola, performing on the main festival grounds for the first time after previously captivating Curaçao audiences during the 2013 pre-concerts at Brakke Put Mei Mei. Known for his extraordinary speed and technical precision, Di Meola has explored jazz fusion, rock, Latin and South American music throughout his career. His collaboration with John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia on Friday Night in San Francisco remains one of the most influential acoustic guitar recordings ever made.

Jon Batiste brought another dimension to the closing night. The American singer, composer, pianist and multi-instrumentalist has won eight Grammys and is known for blending gospel, soul, pop, blues and rock ’n’ roll. His album We Are won Album of the Year, while his latest release, Big Money from 2025, continues to reflect his broad musical range.

Jazz also took center stage with Dianne Reeves, who joined forces with the Branford Marsalis Quartet. Reeves, a five-time Grammy winner and one of the most versatile jazz vocalists of her generation, is touring with Marsalis on a project honoring John Coltrane around the centenary of his birth.

Reggae was represented by Stephen Marley, Bob Marley’s second son and an eight-time Grammy winner. From his childhood beginnings with The Melody Makers, Marley built a successful career as a singer, songwriter, musician and producer. His 2023 album Old Man includes collaborations with Eric Clapton, Jack Johnson and his brothers Ziggy and Damian Marley.

Latin energy came from J Balvin, one of the most influential and most-streamed Latin American artists in the world. With more than 35 million records sold, numerous Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations and headline appearances at festivals such as Coachella and Lollapalooza, the Colombian artist has played a central role in taking Latin music into the global mainstream.

The strongest Caribbean connection came from Kassav’, the group that helped create and popularize zouk after its formation in 1979. Inspired by Guadeloupe’s gwo-ka and Martinique’s ti-bwa traditions, Kassav’ carried its Afro-Caribbean sound across Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia. With more than 20 albums, the band continues to combine African rhythms with modern Caribbean energy.

The final night of Curaçao North Sea Jazz 2026 therefore closed the festival with a powerful mix of virtuosity, musical history and international rhythm, bringing jazz, reggae, Latin music and zouk together on the same stage.