Salif Keita Promises Fans Electric Performance at Safaricom Jazz Lounge

With just a few days to go before music fans are treated to a world class jazz and Afro-pop experience at the Safaricom Jazz Lounge, international music star Salif Keita has promised to deliver an energy-packed performance. Speaking during a media briefing, Mr. Keita, who arrived in the country on Monday ahead of his performance at the Bomas of Kenya, said he was excited to be back in Kenya and looked forward to delivering a memorable show.

“I love the energy of the Kenyan music fans and their appreciation of broad genres of music, so I’m excited about delivering a great show and speaking to each person who attends the event through my music,” said Mr. Keita. “Music is a powerful medium and I will be using its ability to communicate over social, cultural, geographical and language barriers to give the fans an unforgettable experience.”

He is no stranger to Kenya, having visited the country on various occasions both for music performances as well as in his capacity as a global advocate for the rights of people living with Albinism. Mr. Keita is affectionately referred to as the “Golden Voice of Africa” and has over 40 years’ experience in Afro–pop, Jazz and Fusion, having begun his career in his native Mali in the late 1960’s. This will be his first performance at the Safaricom Jazz Lounge, a series of events that lead up to the annual Safaricom International Jazz Festival.

“In 2013 we decided to take a more active role in supporting the Kenyan arts scene, choosing music as a channel through which we could celebrate culture while at the same time nurturing local talent,” said Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore. “Part of celebrating our local talent is giving them the opportunity to perform alongside international artistes, so we’re very honoured to be working with Salif Keita as well as James Gogo and the Gogosimo Band this year.”

The Safaricom Jazz Lounge will be held on Saturday 29^th August 2015 at the Bomas of Kenya. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Ghetto Classics music programme in Korogocho Slums, which seeks to provide an opportunity for children from underprivileged backgrounds to explore their musical talents and use them as a ticket out of the low income neighbourhood.

“It is humbling to know that my performance at this event will contribute towards transforming the lives of hundreds of children and their families, having experienced myself the power of music to change lives,” added Mr. Keita. “This is an event with a cause, and I’m proud to be supporting such a worthy cause.”

Safaricom supports Ghetto Classics with the aim of transforming the lives of these children and their families, by helping them raise funds to sustain and broaden the music programme.