French funk powerhouse Dabeull electrified the Montreux Jazz Festival on July 12, 2026, transforming the LAB stage into a high-energy dance floor.
Let’s be real: Montreux is a prestigious beast. It’s where jazz purists meet the avant-garde, and for a French artist specializing in the “glitter and groove” of the 80s, the stakes were high. But Dabeull didn’t just play a set; he staged a takeover.
The Bottom Line
- The Vibe: A high-octane fusion of nu-disco and funk that turned the LAB venue into a massive dance party.
The Architecture of a Funk Revival
The energy in the room was palpable long before the first note hit. By 9:15 PM, the scenography shifted, revealing a massive “DABEULL” sign in glowing bulbs. It was a visual cue that screamed “spectacle.” When the lights finally dimmed at 9:42 PM, Dabeull emerged in a mouse-gray suit, flanked by a band so large they nearly crowded the stage. This wasn’t a lean MIDI setup; this was a living, breathing wall of sound.
It wasn’t just about volume.
| Performance Element | Impact/Detail | Industry Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Branding | Bulb-lit “DABEULL” signage | High-impact visual identity for social sharing |
| Guest Feature | Holybrune in sequins | Cross-pollination of fanbases (Nu-Disco x Soul) |
| Setlist Peak | “You And I” (Gold Certified) | Validation of commercial viability in a live setting |
Bridging the Gap Between Coachella and Montreux
Here is the kicker: Dabeull mentioned he was “scared” to play a jazz festival, despite having already conquered the massive stages of Coachella earlier this spring. That admission is telling.
The Holybrune Effect and the Power of the Collaboration
Dressed in a stunning sequined gown, her presence elevated the show from a concert to a gala. Their chemistry during the gold-certified hit “You And I” turned the room into a singular, chanting entity.
A High-Energy Exit and the Legacy of the 80s
The night didn’t end with a standard encore. After an hour of intense performance, Dabeull pivoted into an improvised tribute to the 1980s and Michael Jackson, weaving in nods to the funk group Zapp. By the time the show wrapped around 11:00 PM, the musicians were visibly spent. They left the stage exhausted, but they left behind a performance that will likely be cited as a highlight of the 2026 Montreux edition.
