WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival has completed its 2026 line-up, adding several internationally recognized artists, including Sean Paul, The Jacksons, Aruba's Jeon, and Cuban performer Afro 23 to this year's program.
The festival will take place from September 3 to 5 at the World Trade Center Curaçao and is expected to attract thousands of music fans from across the Caribbean and beyond.
Organizers announced that Afro 23 will officially kick off the festivities with a free concert on September 1 at Kura Hulanda Village, ahead of the main festival weekend.
Friday's program on September 4 will feature one of the most anticipated performances of the festival when Jamaican dancehall superstar Sean Paul takes the stage. Known for global hits such as "Get Busy," "Temperature," and "Gimme the Light," Sean Paul was previously scheduled to perform at the festival several years ago but was forced to cancel at the last minute.
Also performing that evening will be The Jacksons, who continue to carry the musical legacy of the legendary Jackson family. The group recently performed in the Netherlands and remains known worldwide for its catalog of classic pop, soul, and disco hits.
Joining the Friday lineup is Aruban rapper Jeon, one of the Dutch Caribbean's most internationally successful artists. Jeon rose to global fame with the hit "Machika" and has collaborated with major Latin music stars including J Balvin, Anitta, and Nicky Jam.
The festival's final day on September 5 will include a performance by Afro 23, a Cuban singer, pianist, and producer known for blending traditional Cuban rhythms with contemporary musical influences. After establishing his career in Cuba, Afro 23 later gained wider recognition from his base in Miami.
The newly announced performers join an already impressive roster of previously confirmed artists. Headliners include Panamanian salsa icon Rubén Blades, legendary rock band Toto, Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste, reggae artist Stephen Marley, and the iconic French Caribbean zouk group Kassav'.
With the full line-up now unveiled, organizers expect another strong turnout for what has become one of the Caribbean's premier music festivals. The event continues to attract internationally acclaimed performers while also providing a platform for artists from the region.
The addition of Sean Paul, The Jacksons, Jeon, and Afro 23 further strengthens a diverse program that spans genres including jazz, reggae, dancehall, salsa, pop, rock, and Caribbean music, reinforcing the festival's reputation as one of the most important cultural events in the region.