The Legendary Salif Keita to Headline Safaricom International Jazz Festival

When I heard that Salif Keita would be headlining the Safaricom International Jazz Festival on August 29^th, I was ecstatic. Salif Keita has been to Kenya before but I was not lucky enough to have attended any of the events. I’ve been a huge fan of his music from childhood thanks to my dad playing it on Saturday mornings while we spring cleaned the house. As an adult, I have an even bigger appreciation of his music especially because of the artivism behind it.

Salif Keita was ostracized from his family and community because of his albinism which was seen as a bad omen in Mandinka culture. He managed to transcend this by becoming one of the most famous Malians in the world. His music has not only seen him travel the world, but also win accolades such as the award for Best World Music 2010 at the prestigious Victoires de la Musique. He has used his fame to advocate for the albino community through the Salif Keita Foundation.

There has been some debate on whether Salif Keita was the best option for Safaricom Jazz Festival as he isn’t considered a jazz musician. In fact, he’s probably considered more of an Afro Pop musician. I think Salif Keita is an amazing artiste and his music does have jazz influences so I am more than satisfied with the choice. I am all for redefinitions in art or at least broad definitions. Yes, I am unapologetically biased on this. Safaricom International Jazz Festival is in its second year and I can say that it has been pretty impressive. Some of the brilliant artistes that have graced the event include: Richard Bona, Eddie Grey, Jimmy Dludlu, Kunle Ayo, Jonathan Butler and Swahili Jazz Band.

James Gogo and the Gogo Simo Band will be curtain raising for Salif Keita at the Safaricom International Jazz Festival at the Bomas of Kenya on 29^th August. Tickets are going for Kshs 1500 in advance and Kshs 2000 at the gate. Student tickets are going for Kshs 500. To get advance tickets via M-ticketing, dial 1511. You can also purchase a physical ticket at Michael Joseph Centre as well as Village Market, Nakumat Mega, TRM, Junction, Galleria, I&M, and Sarit Center. Proceeds of the Safaricom Jazz Festival will go to support Ghetto classics, a community programme under The Art of Music Foundation that involves over 300 children in Korogocho slums that offers music education to provide youth with opportunities to better their lives.