Lakwena Pays Tribute to Nina Simone on the 2025 Montreux Jazz Festival Poster

London-based artist Lakwena has been entrusted with creating the official poster for the 59th Montreux Jazz Festival, which will take place from July 4th to 19th, 2025. This year, Lakwena’s work pays homage to the legendary Nina Simone, featuring a psychedelic, typographic design inspired by Simone's iconic 1976 performance at Montreux. The poster prominently features a powerful message drawn from Simone's performance of the song “Stars” at the festival, a performance that remains one of the most unforgettable in jazz history. The phrase "ALL YOU SEE IS GLORY" stands boldly on the artwork, directly referencing the lyrics of the song, which were written by Janis Ian and performed by Simone during that legendary 1976 performance.

A Tribute to Nina Simone’s Legacy

Lakwena’s approach to this poster is deeply personal and rooted in a profound appreciation for Nina Simone's artistry. “To me, the glory is referencing the legacy of the Festival, its legendary concerts, the beauty of its lake and mountains,” Lakwena explains. “But like a lot of my work, it can be read in several ways. There is also a bittersweetness about it, because the song 'Stars' is very much about how fame is passing.” Simone’s performance in Montreux, a raw and intimate moment captured in the documentary What Happened, Miss Simone?, serves as an emotional backdrop for Lakwena’s work. Simone’s unflinching presence on stage is mirrored in Lakwena’s bold, vibrant design, which combines striking color contrasts and typographic elements to create a visually arresting tribute to both Simone’s legacy and the ephemeral nature of fame.

The Power of Typographic Art

Lakwena’s artwork marks a significant moment in Montreux Jazz Festival history, as it represents the first typographic poster the festival has ever featured. Centered around the impactful phrase “ALL YOU SEE IS GLORY,” the design challenges the viewer to reflect on the concept of fleeting fame and the beauty found within its transience. With a dizzying array of colors and hypnotic shapes, Lakwena creates an immersive visual experience that grabs the viewer’s attention and invites them to explore the deeper meanings behind the words.

The use of psychedelic inspirations further enhances the poster’s mesmerizing quality, with Lakwena’s signature style — a mix of bold text and vibrant hues — creating a visual symphony that beckons the eye. The juxtaposition of contrasting colors, an approach that Lakwena describes as "intuitive and free," results in a design that vibrates with energy, evoking the vivid emotions associated with both the song and the festival itself. “I wanted to really captivate and amaze people,” Lakwena notes of her creative process.

Artistic Vision

Lakwena Maciver, known simply as Lakwena, is a London-based artist of British and Ugandan descent whose work is celebrated for its vibrancy, positivity, and thought-provoking messages. With a focus on typography and iconic visuals, Lakwena's paintings, murals, and installations convey messages of connection, redemption, and liberation. Her works often reference shared cultural experiences, such as music, fashion, and sports, and are infused with a sense of hopeful possibility.

Over the years, Lakwena has built an impressive reputation, showcasing her work in prestigious locations worldwide, including the Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and Somerset House, as well as public spaces in cities like London, New York, Paris, and Rotterdam. Her murals are an iconic part of the public landscape, with one of her largest installations wrapping an electrical substation in London, as well as works featured at a juvenile detention center in Arkansas and a monastery in Vienna.

A Rich Tradition of "Carte Blanche" Artists

The Montreux Jazz Festival has long been known for its tradition of inviting renowned Swiss and international artists to create the official posters for the event, dating back to 1967. The Festival’s “carte blanche” approach has resulted in iconic collaborations with the likes of Jean Tinguely, Keith Haring, David Bowie, and Andy Warhol. The opportunity to design the poster has been awarded to artists who represent a wide array of styles and artistic movements, making it one of the most coveted artistic commissions in the world of jazz and visual arts.

Since its inception, the Montreux Jazz Festival’s poster program has become synonymous with creativity, innovation, and cultural celebration, and Lakwena’s contribution further solidifies the festival’s reputation for promoting cutting-edge art. Her tribute to Nina Simone, filled with color, emotion, and meaning, is a fitting addition to the rich history of Montreux posters, cementing the festival’s legacy as both a celebration of music and a showcase for visual artists.

Fans and collectors of Montreux Jazz Festival memorabilia can order their own version of Lakwena’s stunning poster, a piece of art that captures the spirit of the 59th Festival and celebrates the legacy of Nina Simone. The poster is now available for purchase through the official Montreux Jazz Festival website.

Lakwena’s tribute to Nina Simone through her bold, colorful design for the Montreux Jazz Festival 2025 poster is a testament to both the enduring power of Simone’s music and the festival’s legacy as a cultural touchstone in the world of jazz. With its psychedelic elements and evocative message, the poster perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Montreux while offering a fresh, introspective take on the fleeting nature of fame and glory. Lakwena’s work is an invitation to reflect on the beauty of music, art, and life itself.