Alune Wade Delivers a Memorable Safaricom Jazz Lounge Edition

Safaricom put on another show stopping Safaricom Jazz Lounge this past weekend, headlined by Senegalese guitarist and vocalist Alune Wade. Safaricom Jazz has become a staple of the festival circuit in Kenya and quickly grown to be a fan favourite. Music legends such as Richard Bona, Branford Marsalis, Salif Keita, David Sanborn, Hugh Masekela as well as talented Kenyan acts such as Shamsi Music, Afrosync Band, Edward Parseen & the Different Faces Band, Mwai and the Truth and Nairobi Horns.

The setup was quite spectacular with beautiful lights and screens, and as always the comfort of attendees was a top priority with tight security, organized admittance and shuttles from the parking to the entrance. There was plenty of food and drinks vendors and they all conveniently had a lipa na M-Pesa payment option. One of the things I appreciate about Safaricom Jazz is the attention to detail and so you’re never struggling in a line to buy food or drinks and there are plenty of options and stock doesn’t run out.

The show kicked off at 8 sharp (something else I appreciate about Safaricom Jazz) with the Limericks kicking us off. The Limericks are a band made up of performers from all over Africa, and I must say I enjoyed their set very much especially as it was my introduction to them. They were followed by Mambo Tribe whose music is a mix of jazz and coastal traditional music. Their set was energetic and beautiful.

Alune Wade finally got on stage and put on an electric performance that showed off his extensive 30 years in the music industry and his work with renowned artists such as Senegalese Ishmael Lo, Youssou N’Dour, Cheick Tidiane Seck, Bobby McFerrin, Mamani Keita, Henri Dikongue, Paco Sery, Mokhtar Samba and late Mr.Joe Zawinul. He was joined on stage by Kavita Shah, a New-York Jazz singer and composer, who also leads a jazz quintet called the Brazil Trio and the 3^rd World Orqestra.

It’s difficult to put into words the effortless beauty that was on display on that stage with the collaboration between Alune Wade and Kavita Shah. Alune Wade’s dexterity on the guitar and Kavita Shah’s sultry voice performing music that at once had a classical feel and West African and Brazilian influences was magic.

It was a beautiful night and as always, I was glad to have attended. Safaricom Jazz is doing something amazing for jazz in Kenya and on the continent and I hope to see more internationally renowned jazz acts in future editions as well as be introduced to more local jazz acts. All proceeds of Safaricom Jazz go to Ghetto Classics. The festival has raised Ksh 37 Million since inception that has gone to improving the lives of over 650 children in Korogocho.