The Sani Resort has announced some of the artists who will be taking to the stage at the 33rd Sani Festival. Among the acts will be Buena Vista All Stars, Norah Jones, Gloria Gaynor, Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo, along with a special tribute to the Greek songwriter Lina Nikolakopoulou.
Sani Festival is returning to the Sani Resort for the summer with a spectacular lineup of Grammy-award-winning global music legends. The 33rd edition takes place between 12 July and 23 August, and this year promises an eclectic mix of genres, from jazz, R&B, and soul to disco, world music, new wave, and timeless Greek melodies.
Below, we take a closer look at what will be taking place under the stars atop the iconic Sani Hill this summer:
Sounds of the World (Saturday 12 July)
- Buena Vista All Stars
- One Night in Havana
- Featuring Original Members of Buena Vista Social Club
Sani Festival 2025 opens with a journey straight to the heart of Havana. Buena Vista All Stars, featuring original members of the iconic Buena Vista Social Club, take the stage to deliver a performance brimming with rhythm, passion and the unmistakable sounds of Cuba.
Led by original members of the Buena Vista Social Club, such as Barbarito Torres, Demetrio Muñiz, and Manuel Machado, this extraordinary ensemble preserves the legacy of Cuban music while infusing it with a fresh contemporary spirit. Along with 11 other top-tier Cuban artists, their show “One Night in Havana” is more than a concert — it celebrates culture, history, and the universal language of music.
With a setlist featuring beloved classics like Chan Chan, Dos Gardenias and El Cuarto De Tula, this performance will transport the audience to Cuba’s warm, soulful streets, creating an unforgettable opening to this year’s festival.
*Buena Vista All Stars is not affiliated with or endorsed by Buena Vista Social Club or its representatives.
Jazz on the Hill (Saturday, 19 July)
- Norah Jones
- Visions 2025
A voice like no other, Norah Jones has mesmerised audiences for over two decades with her signature blend of jazz, soul, and folk. Her 2002 debut, “Come Away with Me,” first introduced her talent to the world. Since then, she has become a 10x Grammy winner, earning twenty nominations and selling more than 53 million albums worldwide.
Her deeply expressive vocals and genre-defying artistry have led her to collaborate with legends worldwide, and her songs have been streamed billions of times.
Now, she brings her spellbinding presence to the Sani Festival for the first time, treating audiences to a night of soulful storytelling, evocative melodies and heartfelt musicianship.
Whether it’s through her jazz-inflected ballads, haunting melodies, or candid musical moments, Jones has consistently enthralled audiences with her unique blend of genres and an uncanny ability to connect with listeners emotionally.
International Sounds (Saturday 26 July)
- Gloria Gaynor
Few artists have been fortunate to create a music track that people across the world can sing along to and is instantly recognisable from a handful of opening musical notes. Gloria Gaynor, a two-time Grammy award winner, is one of those rare artists, and her best-known track, “I Will Survive”, has carved out a place in popular culture and, in doing so, become an anthem for many women worldwide.
With a career spanning more than five decades, she continues to thrill audiences worldwide with her powerhouse vocals, infectious energy, and timeless hits.
Gloria’s album “Testimony” earned her a second Grammy Award 40 years after her first Grammy in honour of I Will Survive. This enduring excellence is proof of her evergreen talent and artistic vision.
She has recently collaborated with some of the most renowned songwriters who have shaped hit songs for artists, including Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Dolly Parton. These creative collaborations have delivered “Happy Tears,” her new 5-song EP released in June 2025, featuring the lead single Fida Known, which is receiving rave responses. Now, she brings her electrifying stage presence to the Sani Festival, backed by her full 10-piece band.
This performance will be an unmissable celebration of music, nostalgia and the unstoppable spirit of one of the music industry’s most enduring legends.
Sounds of the World (Saturday, 16 August)
- Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo
After a sold-out performance last year, the Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo return to Sani Festival for another exhilarating night of passion, rhythm and flamenco fusion. Tonino Baliardo, a guitar virtuoso and the creative force behind the band, has captivated audiences for over four decades with his distinct sound-blending traditional flamenco, salsa and pop.
Since then, they’ve sold over 20 million albums and earned countless gold, platinum, and diamond records. Their Grammy-winning album Savor Flamenco (2013) solidified their reputation as world music pioneers. Get ready for another electrifying performance under the starry sky!
Greek Variations (Saturday, 23 August)
- Lina Nikolakopoulou “If only joy were a plot of land”
- Manolis Mitsias, Glykeria, Pitsa Papadopoulou featuring Sofia Papazoglou, Thodoris Voutsikakis, Aspasia Stratigou, Apostolos Kitsos with the participation of composer Kiki Lesendric
The grand finale of Sani Festival 2025 celebrates Greek artistry and pays tribute to Lina Nikolakopoulou, one of the country’s most distinguished songwriters.
A defining figure in Greek music for decades, Nikolakopoulou’s words have given life to some of the most beloved songs in modern Greek history, shaping generations through her poetic, emotional and socially resonant lyrics.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Sani Hill, the renowned Salonique Brass Band will perform this musical journey, bringing the vibrant energy of Balkan rhythms to life.
Two of Greece’s most treasured vocalists, Glykeria and Pitsa Papadopoulou, will accompany them. They will be joined by a dynamic ensemble of Sofia Papazoglou, Thodoris Voutsikakis, Aspasia Stratigou, and Apostolos Kitsos, representing the next generation of Greek talent.
Joining this musical “party” is singer Manolis Mitsias and Serbian composer Kiki Lesendric, who will bring a unique cross-cultural dimension to the night. This blend of generations and Greek culture will conclude the 33rd festival.
The programme for 2025 will be further enriched by two more iconic headliners, set to be announced shortly.
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