Tuesday May 1st goes down as one of the most memorable International Jazz Days as fans young and old celebrated the day with Safaricom Jazz at Carnivore Gardens Nairobi. People braved the foul May weather and the possibility of rain and it was all worth it! They say that a picture tells a thousand words and here is a summary of the day in a few pictures.
Security was assured.
Everyone was welcome. Including the youngest of jazz fans.
The dome. There was the real possibility of rain but that had been taken care of too.
Mambo Tribe from down coast.
Evident happiness. I love this guy!
Juma Tutu looking all calm like he was not about to bring the house down.
Juma’s gang of beautiful ladies.
Absolute highlight of the day for me – a surprise performance by King of Bango Mzee Ngala.
Ball of energy – James Gogo of Gogo Simo Band.
Where beautiful music comes from.
And how to enjoy beautiful music.
Musical couple Kavutha and Jacob Asiyo.
Eddie Gray and his guitar.
Swahili Ally from Tanzania with his Kora – a 21 string traditional instrument. First time I was seeing him and I would totally go to his concerts. I hope he comes back some time.
Mackinley Musembi and master saxophonist Rabai – both of Nairobi Horns.
Getting down to good music.
Man of the day- Cameroonian Manu Dibango. The moment we had all been waiting for had finally arrived.
I think the crowd asked for more here 😀
And Manu Dibango complied.
Peace out? Maybe. Whichever way this one of the best Safaricom Jazz concerts I’ve attended in a minute. And certainly a befitting one to mark International Jazz Day 2018.
See also the story of Ghetto classics in pictures. Ghetto Classics is a Korogocho based community music program to which all proceeds of Safaricom Jazz go.