Uganda jazz lovers came in plenty to listen to their very own Jazz Pioneer, the talented Isaiah Katumwa during the much anticipated TML 100 Club Jazz Concert held at the Serena Hotel on Thursday.
The self-taught saxophonist Isaiah Katumwa not only gave revelers a taste of his earlier songs off his 2009 album “Another Step” but also performed a host of new songs like ‘I’ve been there’ and ‘Swahili Breeze’ that had Jazz lovers extremely thrilled in a night that can only be described as magical.
Set in an exclusive setting and with a creative and well set up stage, TML 100 Club members got to enjoy only what is seen on TV, contemporary Afro Jazz played with a complete set of two bands, percussionist and three background vocalists to complete the elaborate and well thought out performance.
The two drummist and percussionist introduced the main act with a powerful one minute performance and when Isaiah Katumwa finally got on stage passionately blowing his soprano saxophone to the tune of “Nakupenda Sana”, the fans who were eagerly waiting welcomed him with applause.
Katumwa took his fans through his musical journey that truly reflected the essence of TML 100 Club concerts – smooth Afro jazz and soul in an exclusive setting with like-minded people. And as the tempo rose, Isaiah and his band members occasionally teased each other with their instruments clearly displaying the musical talent we have in Uganda.
He told his story before each song and brought to the fore his journey as a jazz artist to the reputable artist he is today.
However, this was not a solo musical performance. Isaiah brought out each member of his band to perform a solo, a unique display of mentorship that was applauded by the audience. The night could not go a miss without a surprise performance from another Ugandan Legend Micheal Ouma, whom serenaded the crowd with his guitar.
Uganda and TML 100 Club members will be eagerly waiting for the next African music legend to be rocking the country even as the weekly Jazz Nights continue in various locations around Kampala celebrating our own homegrown talent.
After the show, fans could not hide their excitement as they all thronged the VIP section in a bid to get pictures with the Ugandan Legend.
Speaking after the event, Tusker Malt Lager Brand Manager said “One thing that makes Isaiah Katumwa stand out is his ability to fuse the Ugandan tunes and culture with his music for the African smooth jazz. Tusker Malt Lager strongly supports this genre of music in Uganda and we promise an even exhilarating experience during the next TML 100 Club Jazz concert”.
This Isaiah Katumwa Jazz Concert was truly a special one as all the funds raised went to the Isaiah Katumwa foundation that works to promote and strengthen human development, achievement and productivity by supporting and operating programs in the core mission areas of Education, Youth Mentorship, and Health care.
The Tusker Malt Lager 100 Club which was introduced in September last year with performances from South Africa’s Zonke in November, Efya Awindor, in April this year. This was again another event that catered to their customers passions and interest and an opportunity for the audience to join the prestigious Tusker Malt Lager 100 Club.
