Renowned Ugandan saxophonist Isaiah Katumwa is bringing jazz back to Kampala’s nightlife scene with the much-anticipated return of the Jazz Festival, after a six-year hiatus due to COVID outbreak.
The event dubbed the “dfcu Jazz in the Pearl” concert will be held on May 10, 2025, at the Kampala Serena Hotel featuring Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum, Uganda’s Isaiah Katumwa and Tshaka Mayanja.
The return of the festival marks a major cultural collaboration aimed at promoting Uganda’s jazz music industry and celebrating its rich musical heritage.
Supported by DFCU Bank, which has a 60-year history in Uganda, the festival is positioned not only as entertainment but also as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural preservation. The bank has a vision of the festival becoming an East African jazz event.
The Head corporate Affairs and Sustainability at DFCU bank Hellena Mayanja emphasized that the festival promises to celebrate Uganda’s place in the global jazz landscape and also uplift local talent.
“As Uganda’s music scene grows, jazz provides a platform for artists to explore the depth of their cultural heritage while simultaneously engaging with a global language of music that speaks to audiences worldwide,” Mayanja said.
Early bird general admission goes for UGX 250,000, while a table for 8 is priced at UGX 6,000,000. Tickets are available at selected dfcu branches and online at www.quicket.co.ug
The festival provides opportunities for Ugandan jazz musicians to perform with international stars, encouraging collaborations and growth of the local jazz.
Overall, Uganda’s jazz festival scene is evolving and as the long-awaited day comes tomorrow, one wonders if it will be worth the wait and hype.
