Ugandan Jazz star Isaiah Katumwa will this year dedicate his annual concert to fallen ‘father of South African Jazz’ and internationally celebrated jazz icon, Hugh Masekela. Yet Katumwa will not be a lone performer; the saxophonist is set to fly in another legend in Manu Dibango, with whom they will share the stage as they pay tribute to one of Africa’s greatest musical talents.
Manu is an African legend who originates from Cameroon, but currently based in Paris. He is a musician, song writer and saxophonist best known for his 1972 single ‘Soul Makossa’ which inspired the Michael Jackson hit ‘Wanna Be Startin Somethin’.
Manu, whose recording span dates way back to 1968, boasts over 70 albums. The singer is best known for having developed a unique music style fusing jazz, funk and traditional Cameroonian music. He will be travelling to Kampala with his entire band which will share the stage with Isaiah’s band.
The concert will also feature Siphokazi, a famous South African vocalist best known for her versatile and poignant lyrics as well as Afro-chic style. The Isaiah Katumwa concert is an annual event that celebrates African jazz artistes who have made it big continentally and globally. This year’s Isaiah Katumwa concert is sponsored by Johnnie Walker and will be held at the Kampala Serena Hotel on April 30, which is also International Jazz Day. Entry to the concert is Shs150,000 for VIP tickets, while VVIP tickets will go for Shs300,000 and a table goes for Shs3m.