What’s in store for you at MJC Live:2 with Nairobi Horns Project?
You probably know them from their jazz renditions of local Kenyan classics, their electrifying performance with jazz clarinetist Arun Ghosh from the United Kingdom and singer and percussionist Hussein Musimbi at the fourth Safaricom Jazz Festival in February. Their bomb cover of Sauti Sol’s Shake yo Bam Bam that got the crowd moving at the Jazz Festival in 2016 where they opened for Hugh Masekela from South Africa.
If you’ve never heard of them, Nairobi Horns Project is the dynamic trio comprised of Mackinely Mutsembi who plays the trumpet and is the band leader, Rabai Mokua who plays the saxophone and Victor Kinama on the trombone. The group began as a commercial for-hire horns section and has since grown to form a band with five supporting members.
Their first performance was in August 2016 and since then they have gone on to release their first EP titled Kipepeo which is a fusion of their individual styles which are diverse but Marty together to form a musical synergy that is pleasant to the ears. Collectively, the band is influenced by African rhythms, contemporary music and hip hop. Some of their other achievements include being commissioned to do a performance comprising of a re-imagination of Kenyan songs at the Mashujaa Day celebration at Machakos stadium. They also did a half time performance at the Safaricom International Rugby Sevens.
The group will be having their second MJC live concert following their successful debut concert dubbed ‘Live at MJC’ which was held at on December 2016.
This year, the band promises to give us more of their crossover appeal and creative jazz sound at the Michael Joseph Centre on April 6th 2017.
Alongside Nairobi Horns Project, two vocalists will feature in their show. These are singer and songwriter Silayo, who was formerly known as Neema Ntalel who’s amazing vocals won her a Kora Award for her song ‘Jiwe’. She is passionate about using her music to champion for the welfare of children and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Victor Muli will also be among the musicians featured. He is a Kenyan/ Dutch artist who developed a taste for music from the young age of twelve. He describes himself as an artist who wants his music use heal the world’s wounds through creative and influential music. His musical career spams fifteen years.
Jacob Asiyo will also be collaborating with Nairobi Horns. He is a formidable jazz pianist who has garnered critical acclaim due to his undisputed prowess on the piano. He recently released his jazz album titled Apocryphal Tales which has a laid back and celebratory feel at the Hotel Intercontinental. The live performance at his launch was accompanied with the Nairobi Horns Project and Gogosimo.
MJC live will be a chance for Nairobi Horns Project to showcase what they have in store for future live performances as well as future music projects. Their performance is guaranteed to get you jamming as these jazz maestros take centre stage.
