The second edition of the Bob Collymore International Jazz Festival (BCIJF) will take place on Saturday, February 24th, 2024 at the Carnivore Grounds, Nairobi. This series started in July 2023, held by the Bob Collymore Foundation. Together with the late mogul’s wife, and director of the foundation, Wambui Collymore, the second iteration hopes to be a stepping stone for underprivileged musicians to build careers.
A Brief History of the Jazz Festival
The International Jazz Festival was originally the creation of former Safaricom head Bob Collymore. Proceeds from the festival would be further used to support musical prodigies in low-income areas including Korogocho, Huruma, and Dandora. It supports the Ghetto Classics program, founded by Elizabeth Njoroge in 2007, which exposes underprivileged children to jazz and classical music—instrumental styles that transcend time. The program is under the Art of Music Foundation.
Unlike pop music, jazz, and classical music styles manage to outlast trends and remain relevant regardless of the decade they’re listened to. Jazz can also be seamlessly blended with other styles such as traditional African music, soul, and RnB. It’s a market that isn’t saturated and gives more opportunities to musicians interested in the genre. The current jazz festival is run by the Bob Collymore Foundation, which was started in 2020 in honour of his commitment to supporting the arts. Collymore died of leukaemia in 2019.
Here is what you need to know
You can bring your own picnic. Food and drinks must be sealed.
There is lots of fun and entertainment for the whole family including a children’s play area.
There is a marketplace with vendors who’ll be selling lots of fashion and craft items.
There will be food vendors offering Mexican, nyama Chom and other delicious meals.
– KWAL and Coca-Cola will be there to ensure you are well-hydrated throughout the day.
– It’ll be hot, so hydrate and wear suitable clothing
– Use Little cab and use the Little Code which is #BCJAZZ24
Performing talent
1. Enkare Saxophone Quartet
This is a group from Nairobi that infuses jazz, classical music, and contemporary sounds. It contains Samuel Mutuku-alto saxophone, Ryan Searl-soprano saxophone, Kevin Thuita-baritone saxophone, Laka Waithaka-tenor saxophone, and John Maina-percussion. Each of the members is an established jazz artist but together they create a harmonic blend of African jazz hitherto missing in the market.
Listen to their music here.
2. Ghetto Classics
This is the performing group from the Art of Music Foundation program. It includes performers from low-income areas in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Kiambu. The Ghetto Classics Are A Joy To Listen To, And A Band To Watch Out For
Find out more about them here.
3. Mubba (Humphrey Mbaruk)
This is a Tanzanian artist who plays the bass guitar and also composes. Mubba has also been a member of Witiri Jazz, a fusion collective that has also performed at Alliance Francaise, Ongala Festival, and Bagamoyo Festival.
Connect with his music here.
4. Safaricom Youth Orchestra
This is a performing group from a project launched by Bob Collymore in 2014. It’s made up of musicians aged 10-17. The orchestra contains woodwind, percussion, string, and brass specialists. Duncan Wambugu and Levi Wataka currently direct it. The orchestra has performed at national events such as Madaraka Day and are a staple of the Jazz Festival. Duncan Miano Wambugu Is An Organist And Choir Director Who Wants To Inspire Young Musicians To Reach For The Stars
Find their music here.
5. Samuel Mutuku
He’s a versatile Kenyan artist whose expertise spans jazz, European art, folk, and contemporary art music. Mutuku has collaborated with Sauti Sol, Jacob Asiyo, Kaima Mwiti and Chris Adwar. He was a composer for the Ad Hoc and Maskani Big Band. He’s also performed with Diane Reeves and on SolFest.
Connect with his music here.
6. Syssi Mananga
Mananga is a Congolese-Belgian artist with roots in Kongo, soul, jazz and pop. She can sing in Lingala, English, French, and Spanish.
Listen to her award-winning album here.
7. The Jazztified
This is a Kenyan ensemble that specialises in jazz, salsa, contemporary African, soul, and RnB. It’s led by Tim Riungu-saxophonist, Sedar Oddenyo and Tony Kimangu. Together they started the live music culture in Geco Café, Nairobi. The group also contains George Nyoro-keyboardist, Ben Maleck-trumpet, Shitaqua Musoga-vocalist, and Richard Wandati.
Connect with them here.
8. DJ D-Lite
Completing the line-up is Kenyan DJ Lite guaranteed to keep everyone dancing at the event.
Connect with him here.
Where to purchase tickets
Tickets are available on Mookh.com.
They retail at Ksh. 2500 for adults.
Students between 12 and 18 years old can get tickets for Ksh. 1000.
Children between 6 and 12 years old pay Ksh. 500.
Children under 6 years old can get in for free but must be accompanied by an adult. Gates open at noon and the show starts at 2 pm.
Connect with the Bob Collymore Foundation on Twitter and Instagram.
Check out:
Bob Collymore’s Life, Passion, Philanthropy, Family And Death
Thank You, Bob Collymore, For Opening Doors For So Many Creatives Out Here
