Branford Marsalis, Three Time Grammy Award Winner, To Headline Safaricom International Jazz Festival

The Safaricom International Jazz Festival is back with a bang this time being headlined by three time Grammy Award Winner, Branford Marsalis. Branford Marsalis has had an impressive career that has included touring with Phil Collins as well as rock star Sting and holding the 2012 title for Best Instrumental Jazz album on iTunes through his band, ‘The Branford Marsalis Quartet’. For those who may not be familiar with Branford and his music, this will be a real treat as the man is truly talented. I will say that most of us are a little familiar with Branford even though we may not know it. He actually plays the sax in the 1992 hit single ‘I Love Your Smile’ by Shanice.

Other acts that will be gracing the Safaricom International Jazz Festival stage include Jef Neve from Belgium, Giampaolo Nuti and Francesco D’Orazio from Italy, Maya Beltsitzman and Matan Ephrat from Israel, Sons of Kemmet and Siya Makuzeni from South Africa. Kunle Ayo from Nigeria as well as AfroSync Band and Edward Parseen and the Different Faces Band from Kenya will be making a return to the Safaricom Jazz stage.

The Safaricom Jazz International Festival will take place on Sunday 21st February at the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani. Doors open at 10am and the show starts at noon. Tickets are available at select Safaricom Shops in Nairobi, The Safaricom Michael Joseph Centre and through M-Ticketing (Dial 1511) and are going for Kshs. 1000 with student tickets going for Kshs. 300. Entry for children under the age of 12 is free but they must be accompanied by an adult.

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.