American Saxophonist Marcus Anderson and Kizomba star Yola Semedo are in the country ahead of their much anticipated performances at the 10th edition of Johnnie Walker Jazz & Soul Safari. Jazz lovers and enthusiasts can look forward to a groovy night at the event scheduled to take place on Saturday September 2, at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, which is aptly themed “Wear your dancing shoes.”
Anderson and Angolan Semedo addressed the media at a press conference held at the Kampala Serena Hotel, promising to leave their Ugandan fans and jazz lovers wanting more.
“Kizomba is party music, so come ready to party,” the kizomba star said while addressing journalists.
With the world renowned whisky Johnnie Walker on board as the title sponsor, UBL’s Head Whisky Portfolio, Annette Nakiyaga had this to say; “On behalf of Uganda Breweries, I formally welcome our guests to Uganda. We are very much geared up ahead of your performance on Saturday. For those who will be attending, expect nothing less than an exquisite hospitality and whisky experience synonymous with Johnnie Walker.”
The annual jazz event was started by musicians Tshaka Mayanja and Elijah Kitaka, who had a passion to introduce jazz music to Uganda. Inspired by radio jazz segments and small gatherings, it transformed into nine international standard concerts that showcased the intricate craft that is jazz.
To mark the 10th milestone, the organized switched up things musically. “For the last nine years, we’ve explored American Contemporary Music. Jazz, funk and soul/R&B music. We’ve showcased some of the finest artists and musicians in these genres on our illustrious stage. American Contemporary Music has spawned off an incredible variety and amount of sub genres all across the world. Last year we included one of the most popular of those sub genres, Lovers Rock Reggae, for the very first time, and to celebrate the tenth anniversary milestone, we are featuring the global phenomenon that is Kizomba music,” Jazz Safari founder Tshaka Mayanja said.
Gates to the Jazz, Soul and Kizomba music celebration open at 4:00pm with Uganda’s Myko Ouma and Micheal Kitanda kicking off the evening’s performances at 7:00pm.
Tickets are on sale at House of Walker, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Game Lugogo plus Stanbic Acacia and Forest Mall. Gold tickets go for UGX130,000 and UGX3M for a platinum table. You can also instantly win a ticket with every purchase of two Johnnie Walker Black Label bottles and one Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve at House of Walker and Game.