Several artists ready for Oslojazz 2026

December 12th, 2025:

The Oslo Jazz Festival is Oslo’s oldest music festival and turns 40 in 2026. The festival is now lifting the veil and announcing its first artists. Brian Blade is this year’s festival artist; there will be a grand celebration with Jaga Jazzist and the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, along with a concert by Sven Wunder and a reunion with the legendary 1990s trio Girl Talk. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m.

Oslo Jazz Festival is proud to present the American drummer Brian Blade as the festival artist in 2026. Blade is one of the most influential, unique, and impactful musicians in our modern music history, regardless of genre. He is known for a dynamic and energetic playing style that has inspired several generations of musicians around the world.

He has recorded and toured with great artists such as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Joshua Redman, Kenny Garret and Pat Metheny. He also has his own projects Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band and Mama Rosa.

During the festival week, Oslo Jazz Festival will present concerts featuring completely new and unique collaborations between Blade and the Scandinavian jazz scene. More information about the concerts will be announced later.

- We are incredibly happy that Brian Blade will be this year’s festival artist, and it is especially exciting that he will meet new collaborators from the vibrant Norwegian and Scandinavian jazz scene,” says festival director Line Juul.

The legendary Jaga Jazzist has been a unique powerhouse in the international music landscape for over 30 years. From the band’s humble beginnings in Tønsberg in 1994, Jaga Jazzist has had a constant urge to explore what a large gathering of exceptionally skilled musicians with big visions can accomplish. Now they are joining forces with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra and inviting audiences to a festive evening at Sentrum Scene on Friday, August 14.

Behind the artist name Sven Wunder is Swedish musician Joel Danell, who has released five critically acclaimed albums. He has gained an increasingly strong following among jazz lovers, hip-hop fans, and rare groove enthusiasts around the world. He will now make his Norway debut with a concert at Parkteatret on Saturday, August 15, accompanied by a band and string quartet.

It is also a great pleasure to announce that Girl Talk—featuring Bodil Niska, Elizabeth Walker, and Tine Asmundsen—is returning to the stage after nearly 30 years! There will be an exclusive reunion concert at Nasjonal jazzscene on Thursday, August 13, in celebration of the festival’s 40th anniversary.

Photo of Brian Blade: Lurah Blade