Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Sheléa and Norman Brown Promise Kenyan Fans World Class Concerts at Safaricom Jazz Lounge

2ND DECEMBER, 2015… Grammy® Award winners Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown, multiple Grammy® Award Nominee Gerald Albright and fast rising singer and songwriter Sheléa, have promised Kenyan jazz fans an unforgettable experience as they gear up for the upcoming Safaricom Jazz Lounge.

The four, who will perform their widely celebrated A Gospel According to Jazz Christmas, will kick off their performances at the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi on 3rd December before taking the show to Mombasa’s Butterfly Pavillion (Haller Park) on 5th December, in what will be the first performance of its kind in the coastal city since the first Safaricom International Jazz Festival in February 2014.

Speaking at a media briefing held at Safaricom’s Michael Joseph Centre, Kirk Whalum – famous for touring with the late Whitney Houston and having a solo part in her single “I will always love you” – said he was looking forward to playing in Kenya for the first time.

“I had the pleasure of playing with Ghetto Classics on Tuesday morning and have seen the inspiring jazz talent that Kenya has to offer,” he said. “I’m looking forward to an authentic Kenyan jazz experience and having a good time in Nairobi and Mombasa, and to meeting the crowds’ expectations together with my fellow musicians and band.”

Safaricom Jazz was launched in 2013 and has since then attracted thousands of jazz lovers to various events, with an estimated 10,000 fans attending the February 2015 Festival.

“A few years ago enjoying jazz was limited to a couple of radio shows and small performances in bars and restaurants, but I’m proud to see that this is changing,” said Bob Collymore, Safaricom C.E.O.

“As more music lovers have come out to ask for live concerts and regular events Safaricom has stepped up to the plate, proving that there is huge demand for jazz in Nairobi by hosting thousands of fans at various jazz events, and exploring opportunities to take jazz out of the capital city to Mombasa,” he added.

The Safaricom International Jazz Festival – which includes the Safaricom Jazz Lounge – has so far raised over Ksh.12.5 million in proceeds that have gone towards supporting Ghetto Classics, a music programme that equips underprivileged youth from Nairobi’s Korogocho slum with music skills.

Curtain-raising for the quartet will be Kenyan acts Edward Parseen and the Different Faces Band, and AfroSync, who have made their names in the Kenyan jazz scene thanks to their unique sounds.

All proceeds from the two concerts will go towards supporting Ghetto Classics, which offers music education to over 300 underprivileged youth with the aim transforming their lives and offering them a chance to build careers in music.

Tickets to the Safaricom Jazz Lounge are retailing at Ksh.1,500 for advance tickets, Ksh.2,000 at the gate and Ksh.500 for students. They will be available from select Safaricom outlets (Sarit Centre, Thika Road Mall, Galleria Mall, Junction Mall, BuruBuru, Village Market, I&M and Nakumatt Mega in Nairobi, and Nyali and Rex Shop in Mombasa).

2ND DECEMBER, 2015… Grammy® Award winners Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown, multiple Grammy® Award Nominee Gerald Albright and fast rising singer and songwriter Sheléa, have promised Kenyan jazz fans an unforgettable experience as they gear up for the upcoming Safaricom Jazz Lounge.

The four, who will perform their widely celebrated A Gospel According to Jazz Christmas, will kick off their performances at the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi on 3rd December before taking the show to Mombasa’s Butterfly Pavillion (Haller Park) on 5th December, in what will be the first performance of its kind in the coastal city since the first Safaricom International Jazz Festival in February 2014.

Speaking at a media briefing held at Safaricom’s Michael Joseph Centre, Kirk Whalum – famous for touring with the late Whitney Houston and having a solo part in her single “I will always love you” – said he was looking forward to playing in Kenya for the first time.

“I had the pleasure of playing with Ghetto Classics on Tuesday morning and have seen the inspiring jazz talent that Kenya has to offer,” he said. “I’m looking forward to an authentic Kenyan jazz experience and having a good time in Nairobi and Mombasa, and to meeting the crowds’ expectations together with my fellow musicians and band.”

Safaricom Jazz was launched in 2013 and has since then attracted thousands of jazz lovers to various events, with an estimated 10,000 fans attending the February 2015 Festival.

“A few years ago enjoying jazz was limited to a couple of radio shows and small performances in bars and restaurants, but I’m proud to see that this is changing,” said Bob Collymore, Safaricom C.E.O.

“As more music lovers have come out to ask for live concerts and regular events Safaricom has stepped up to the plate, proving that there is huge demand for jazz in Nairobi by hosting thousands of fans at various jazz events, and exploring opportunities to take jazz out of the capital city to Mombasa,” he added.

The Safaricom International Jazz Festival – which includes the Safaricom Jazz Lounge – has so far raised over Ksh.12.5 million in proceeds that have gone towards supporting Ghetto Classics, a music programme that equips underprivileged youth from Nairobi’s Korogocho slum with music skills.

Curtain-raising for the quartet will be Kenyan acts Edward Parseen and the Different Faces Band, and AfroSync, who have made their names in the Kenyan jazz scene thanks to their unique sounds.

All proceeds from the two concerts will go towards supporting Ghetto Classics, which offers music education to over 300 underprivileged youth with the aim transforming their lives and offering them a chance to build careers in music.

Tickets to the Safaricom Jazz Lounge are retailing at Ksh.1,500 for advance tickets, Ksh.2,000 at the gate and Ksh.500 for students. They will be available from select Safaricom outlets (Sarit Centre, Thika Road Mall, Galleria Mall, Junction Mall, BuruBuru, Village Market, I&M and Nakumatt Mega in Nairobi, and Nyali and Rex Shop in Mombasa).