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Jazz Symphonic

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  • Review
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      Jack Muguna: Journey of the Soul

      April 20, 2021

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      Geco Café: Slithering with good vibes in Nairobi

      February 18, 2021

      Review

      How to work with producers in Kenya by…

      February 26, 2020

      Review

      The Love Zone Thrills fans on Valentine’s Day

      February 21, 2020

      Review

      Shamsi Music Sophmore Album: Afrosynthesis

      February 6, 2020

  • Events
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      Nairobi Music Society and Nairobi Orchestra Love; Liberty…

      May 4, 2022

      Events

      Beneath the Baobabs Live: A Kenyan live music…

      April 5, 2022

      Events

      Down memory lane: An Evening Remembering Whitney Houston

      December 2, 2021

      Events

      Nairobi Orchestra Returns! at Kenya National Theatre

      July 2, 2021

      Events

      An Evening Celebrating Stevie Wonder in Nairobi

      June 10, 2021

  • Artist Spotlight
    • Artist Spotlight

      Ngewa: Kasiva Mutua rhythmical tales on percussion

      April 26, 2022

      Artist Spotlight

      Herbie Tsoaeli Spiritual Dialogues: At This Point in…

      December 10, 2021

      Artist Spotlight

      Sage Chemutai: Love is all we need

      April 26, 2021

      Artist Spotlight

      Jack Muguna: Journey of the Soul

      April 20, 2021

      Artist Spotlight

      WYNTON MARSALIS interactive session with Kenyan artists: Mythology…

      November 26, 2020

  • Classical Music
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      Nairobi Music Society and Nairobi Orchestra Love; Liberty…

      May 4, 2022

      Classical Music

      Nairobi Orchestra Returns! at Kenya National Theatre

      July 2, 2021

      Classical Music

      A Kenyan Opera: Nyanga The Runaway Grandmother

      November 17, 2020

      Classical Music

      Beethoven 250 Years on, A Spirited awakening in…

      September 25, 2020

      Classical Music

      David Ralak: A visionary pioneering figure with great…

      June 16, 2020

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      Artist Spotlight

      Pilani Bubu: Jazz Breaks Me Open. Songs from…

      April 29, 2020

      Jazz Opinions

      CoronaVirus: Kenyan Artists in a time of a…

      March 19, 2020

      Jazz Spotlight

      How to work with producers in Kenya by…

      February 26, 2020

      Jazz Spotlight

      Shamsi Music Sophmore Album: Afrosynthesis

      February 6, 2020

      Jazz Opinions

      CoronaVirus: Kenyan Artists in a time of a…

      March 19, 2020

      Jazz Opinions

      Experience Nairobi Horns Project Debut Album – Black…

      July 18, 2019

      Jazz Opinions

      Artists from the coast revolutionizing Nairobi’s Jazz scene

      April 9, 2019

      Jazz Opinions

      Jazz in Kenya: A beginner’s guide to artists…

      February 26, 2019

      Jazz Spotlight

      Pilani Bubu: Jazz Breaks Me Open. Songs from…

      April 29, 2020

      Jazz Spotlight

      How to work with producers in Kenya by…

      February 26, 2020

      Jazz Spotlight

      Shamsi Music Sophmore Album: Afrosynthesis

      February 6, 2020

      Jazz Spotlight

      ALBUM REVIEW: MAIA AND THE BIG SKY

      September 26, 2019

      My Afro Jazz

      Dan Aceda, Juma Tutu to Grace Ricky na…

      November 17, 2015

      My Afro Jazz

      Eric Wainaina Thrills fans at An Evening of…

      August 31, 2015

      My Afro Jazz

      You can’t Miss An Evening Of Afro Jazz…

      August 20, 2015

Review

Review: Safaricom Jazz Festival 2019

by Maureen Shelmith February 19, 2019
written by Maureen Shelmith February 19, 2019

Kenyans enjoy a fender venture by Headlining Act, Marcus Miller

Levi Wataka conducting at Safaricom Jazz Festival
Levi Wataka conducting members of the orchestra at Safaricom Jazz Festival

I got to experience the Safaricom Jazz festival, which is in its 6th year, at the Kasarani International Sports Centre. We thronged the stadium despite the sweltering February heat to enjoy the very best of live music.

One of the few advantages of Safaricom Jazz afternoon’s musical treat is the ability to explore and experience music from a vast array of artists. The experience will push you away from your music comfort zones and transport you on an exhilarating musical journey.

Having arrived at the festival late in the afternoon, I was sorry to miss the performances by Ghetto classics Orchestra, the Safaricom Youth Orchestra, Yazmin Lacey from UK and Toine Thy feat Herve Samb from Belgium and Omni Mor Trio from Israel.

However, I was able to walk in just in time to catch Kenya act, Kato Change Experience. He instantly heated up the crowd with a thoroughly professional performance.

Kato Change Experience at Safaricom Jazz festival

Kato Change Experience opened their set with a astounding performance of Kothbiro; as a tribute to the Legendary Nyatiti player, Ayub Ogada. It was a momentous. Additionally, performed a selection of their original material with jazzed-up pop music. The band made an impressive outing that awed and mesmerized the audience.

The Change Experience was followed by Vivian from Portugal. She used every nuance her voice would give her resulting in a truly moving performance. Her performance was slightly tinged with Arabic melodies that soothed the crowd to a more relaxed afternoon.

JRBB steals show at Safaricom Jazz Festival 2019

JRBB
JRBB

JRBB were the most pleasant surprise afternoon’s performance. Beyond any doubt, the JRBB stole the show. I was quite fortunate to snake myself close to the stage to have a glimpse of the electrifying performance by the German band.

JRBB were resplendent in black outfits, single black strip on their right eye, as their dazzling horns added a bit of pizazz to their look. The band took us on an unexpected venture of techno jazz.

JRBB had a bravura opening! JRBB let loose an awesome volcanic sounds, mesmerizing the crowd with their artistic and creative passion.

Their music caused sonic pleasures, I remember where I was standing a lady looked possessed with their music. The final piece had everyone on their feet and with a rapturous applause that eventually led to an encore request.

Marcus Miller Takes Kenyans on a Fret Venture

Marcus Miller at SJF
Marcus Miller at SJF

After such a crowd roaring performance by JRBB, Marcus Miller still maintained the electric energy in his performance. Marcus Miller who is currently on tour promoting his latest album release, Laid Back.  His set at Safaricom Jazz was fabulous mix of his new material and his timeless classics.

We got to experience the band’s dexterity and fiery energy at a live performance setting. On stage he was joined by Alex Hitchcock on Sax, Ric Elsworth on drums, Russell on trumpet, and well-renowned Kenyan percussionist Idd Aziz on percussion.

Marcus Miller performance was intricate and brimming with energy, he launched his performance with a sinewy bass riff of the Motown classic Papa was a rolling stone, tantalizing our musical taste buds, with his sheer virtuosity mastery on the bass as he played Untamed, Tutu, Sublimity, Maputo and Hylife.

With the event’s program being pressed for time, the artists performed for a short duration; leaving us yearning for a bit more from the artist’s tantalizing and funky grooves.

Image credits: Safaricom Jazz Festival

Ayub OgadaJazz in KenyaJazzRausch Big Band in KenyaLevi WatakaMarcus MillerNyatit StoriesSafaricom Jazz FestivalYazmin Lacey
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About Me

About Me

Maureen Shelmith

My mission here is to take you on a Kenyan musical journey that is exceptional.

Featured Posts

  • Herbie Tsoaeli Spiritual Dialogues: At This Point in Time

    December 10, 2021
  • Sage Chemutai: Love is all we need

    April 26, 2021
  • Geco Café: Slithering with good vibes in Nairobi

    February 18, 2021
  • WYNTON MARSALIS interactive session with Kenyan artists: Mythology of Jazz, improvisation and creativity

    November 26, 2020
  • A Kenyan Opera: Nyanga The Runaway Grandmother

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