Hugh Masekela to light up Safaricom Jazz Lounge
Jazz lovers will be in for a treat at the Safaricom Jazz Lounge, slated for August 12 where globally acclaimed South African jazz maestro Hugh Masekela will be the star attraction.
While the two-time Grammy Award nominee is not new to Kenya, this will be his first appearance at the Safaricom Jazz Lounge, which is one of a series of events that lead-up to the annual Safaricom International Jazz Festival.
“It will be exciting to perform for the emerging Jazz community in Kenya, which is slowly building a reputation as a notable addition to the continent’s jazz circuit,” said Mr Masekela.
The 77-year-old composer, singer and instrumentalist received another Grammy nomination in 2011 for his critically acclaimed album Jabulani. He released his latest album, Playing @ Work, in 2013.
AFRICAN JAZZ MUSICIANS
“We are honored to be hosting the one of the most influential African Jazz musicians; a man who has not only played an integral role in advancing Afro-Jazz music on the world stage but also showed the world the role of music in bringing social change,” said Bob Collymore, CEO, Safaricom.
Proceeds from all ticket sales will go to the Ghetto Classics music programme based in Korogocho.
Ghetto Classics has been supported by the Safaricom International Jazz Festival since 2014 and has so far received over Sh 19 million, funds that have gone towards the purchase of music instruments and training of over 500 children from the slum and its environs.
The first edition of the Safaricom International Jazz Festival was held in February 2014 and was headlined by New-York based Cameroonian artist Richard Bona.