Safaricom Jazz Festival A Huge Hit With Kenyan Music Lovers

Sunday 22nd February saw music lovers throng the Ngong Racecourse for the 2nd annual Safaricom Jazz Festival. The turn out was huge to say the least, as evidenced by the epic traffic that left Ngong road at a standstill. I was one of the music lovers that braved the traffic and made my way to what was billed to be a memorable music extravaganza.

The line up was impressive with acts from all the over the world, that included: Safaricom Youth Orchestra (Kenya), Ack Van Rooyen and Juraj Stanik (Netherlands), Tomer Bar Trio (Israel), Isaiah Katumwa (Uganda), Nicolas Kummert Voices (Belgium), Soweto Kinch (UK), Swahili Jazz Band (Kenya), Jimmy Dludlu (South Africa) and Jonathan Butler (South Africa). The festival was MCed by its music director, Kavutha Asiyo, with DJ D-Lite on the ones and twos.

Jazz is considered an acquired taste, much like certain drinks (especially of the alcoholic kind) and foods. An untruth that is peddled about Kenyans is that we do not possess a ‘sophisticated’ musical taste.This was dispelled by the sheer number of music lovers that made their way for the festival. Music, I believe, isn’t so much a matter of sophistication, but of feeling. If it sounds good and makes you feel something, then you’ll like it regardless of genre.

The first few acts: Safaricom Youth Orchestra, Ack Van Rooyen and Juraj Stanik and Tomer Bar Trio set the mood with some relaxing tunes. Soweto Kinch changed the pace of the afternoon by blending hiphop and jazz. He had the crowd amped when he freestyled using key words he had gotten from the audience. Swahili Jazz Band and Jimmy Dludlu jammed together in a magical mix of Coastal and South African sounds. Isaiah Katumwa had everyone on their feet with his international hits ‘Sinza’ and ‘Sunrise’.

Finally, the man we had all being waiting for, Jonathan Butler, graced the stage. Jonathan Butler isn’t award winning for nothing. His stage presence is electric. It was a family affair as Jonathan’s daughter sang background vocals for him. ‘Sarah Sarah’, ‘No Woman No Cry’ and ‘Falling in love with Jesus’ (that had some audience members raising their hands in worship) were some of the songs that Jonathan performed off his impressive repertoire.

Safaricom pulled out the stops with a well planned event. Some of the things I liked were the good security, ample parking, great food and drinks from the various eateries, the amazing stage set-up and that the various international embassies represented at the festival had both information and food stands at the event. There however, could be some improvement in the seating arrangements perhaps through the addition of another tent. The mobile washrooms could be better and it would be great if Safaricom looked into a better traffic flow system out of the Racecourse.

All in all, it was a fantastic event. I love that you can pack a picnic and blanket, sit on the grass and enjoy wonderful music on a Sunday afternoon with your family and friends. I’m already counting down to next year’s event!