The jazz festival tradition in Niš, initiated in 1981, and terminated in 1991, was renewed at the end of 1994 thanks to the producer and economist who specializes in cultural management, Ivan Blagojević, theatre director by vocation.

The last edition in a closed area (and the late November term) proved that Nišville had fully completed their mission, as it had created (and, to a certain extent, educated) a very large audience, so the largest concert hall in Nis became too small to house all the interested parties, which was reflected in the fact that there was a lot of standing in a great number of programs, i.e. that the festival might have been attended by more than a thousand people per night.

Since 2009, Nišville has moved to the large empty grass plateau, also in the Fortress – where the complete structure is built and installed for each separate edition: stands for the audience, backstage, entrances etc.).

Among others, it was owing to the recordings from Nišville (main program) that the Nis Band "Eyot" succeeded in reaching relevant festivals and concert podiums (Jazz Fest Dubai, Jazzy Colors in Paris, Midem in Cannes, tours in Russia and the Far East etc.).

Over time, such a concept has shown to be a hit, as the greater part of the audience, especially younger people, have been attracted by great names such as Candy Dulfer, Osibisa, Incognito, Brand New Heavies, De Phazz, Nouvelle Vague or Jazzanova, and has had the opportunity to hear performers such as Jean-Luc Ponty, John Patittuci, Benny Golson, Randy Brecker, Miroslav Vitous, Ron Carter, Roy Hargrove, Tom Harrell etc.

Ever since the move to the plateau in the Fortress, the following have been among those who performed at Nisville: Solomon Burke, Joss Stone, Jean-Luc Ponty Quartet, Osibisa, Maria Joao, Brussels Jazz Orchestra, John Patittuci, Lollo Meier, Opus 5, Kim Clark & Joe Bowie, Lydian Sound Orchestra, Richard Galliano, Hans and Candy Dulfer, Benny Golson, Mingus Dynasty, Sly & Robbie ft.

Junior Reid, Chico Freeman, Milcho Leviev, Stanley Jordan, Mungo Jerry Blues Band, Rick Margitza, Tom Harrell, Randy Brecker, Miroslav Vitous, Grace Kelly, Jamie Davis, Incognito, Kyle Eastwood, Hubert Tubbs, Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion ft. Pee Wee Ellis, Jazzanova, Ron Carter Golden Striker Trio ft. Russel Malone, Nouvelle Vague, Marius Neset, Joe Bowie, Roy Hargrove, De Phazz, The Brand New Heavies, Georgie Fame, Terje Rypdal, Manu Dibango, Yehia Khalil etc.

Stjepko Gut used the name of the festival – Nišville as the title of one of his songs and the whole album was published in the USA (with a big band whose leader was drummer Alvin Queen) during the nineties of the previous century.