In a jungle themed Victoria Hall at the Serena Hotel, the stage had been set for the 2015 Airtel Jazz concert that was highlighted by two Kings of the African Jazz movement; Uganda’s Jazz Maestro Isaiah Katumwa and South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela.
The sold-out concert that attracted the city’s elite was also a celebration of Katumwa’s twenty years in the music industry and after having promised a sensational and memorable performance, he delivered exactly that.
He came onto the stage and the crowd immediately got into rhythm to the melodies of his Saxophone. Playing songs from some of his past albums such as African Smoothy, Celebrate Africa, Coming Home and We Three Kings, he unveiled the true beauty of Jazz music.
Sensational female saxophonist, Moroots was also among the performers. In an electric performance alongside Isaiah, she showed how Jazz music has grown in Uganda.
The audience was later treated to a Hugh Masekela performance they will forever remember. With songs from some of his albums like; Phola, Revival, Still Grazing and Playing at Work, he served the best of Jazz performances to ever come to town. He later had a combined performance with Isaiah where they showcased some of their latest collaborations.
Among the attendees were; Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyongo, Maria Kiwanuka, Olara Otunnu, Bob Kabonero, Mondo Kagonyero, Juliana Kanyomozi, Iryn Namubiru, Bebe Cool, Myko Ouma among others.
Airtel Uganda Marketing Director, Mr. Prasoon Lal who was in attendance had this to say; “We are happy to have been part of such a great show. We, at Airtel Uganda, intend to hold this Jazz concert annually working with different talented musicians to build the music industry in the country.”
