The inaugural “dfcu Jazz In The Pearl Festival” held on Saturday night at the Kampala Serena Hotel has been hailed as a resounding success, with Ugandan jazz icon Isaiah Katumwa and Grammy-winning American saxophonist Kirk Whalum delivering unforgettable performances that left the audience spellbound. The event marked a significant moment for Uganda’s music scene, solidifying the nation’s embrace of the soulful and spiritual genre of jazz.
From the moment the Black Roots Academy of Souls took to the stage, their angelic voices weaving through classic R&B and jazz numbers, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. However, it was the appearance of Uganda’s own legendary bass guitarist, Tshaka Mayanja, that truly set the tone for a night of exceptional musicianship. His masterful command of the bass guitar was a powerful reminder of his pivotal role in nurturing Uganda’s jazz culture through initiatives like the Uganda Jazz Safaris.
The energy in the room reached fever pitch with the arrival of Isaiah Katumwa. Returning to perform for his home crowd, the self-taught saxophonist, often dubbed Uganda’s “father of jazz,” captivated the audience with note-perfect renditions of his beloved songs, including “Home Again,” “What’s Love,” and “The Africa in Me.”
The anticipation for the headline act, Kirk Whalum, was immense, and the American maestro did not disappoint. His sophisticated and soulful saxophone playing added another layer of brilliance to the evening.
The highlight of the night undoubtedly came when Katumwa and Whalum shared the stage, their combined musical prowess creating an electrifying synergy that sent waves of pure jazz joy through the captivated audience.
This iconic collaboration was a powerful symbol of the unifying power of music and a testament to the growing prominence of jazz in Uganda.
