It's absolutely amazing to see how Kenyans continue being the most dynamic and maybe the most influential Africans on the continent. It's no wonder that CNN had ranked Nairobi as ...because we Kenyans are with it and the world knows it.

Again, it's quite clear that Kenya is fast becoming Africa's next Jazz capital. You've also probably seen it in the news that a lot of international Jazz acts are lined up to perform in Kenya. Well they obviously know that when Kenyans get serious about something, they do it big.

Jazz is the in thing now and trust me, it will be for a very long while. Mark my words!

Hip-hop, trap music, R & B, soul, rumba interestingly, all these genres have their root in Jazz music which dates back to 1895. Jazz made them.

It's neat that the guys at Safaricom have seen it and they've made  to expose Kenyans to this wonderful genre of music.

This year, there'll be the Safaricom International Jazz Festival on Sunday 26th February 2017 at the Kasarani Stadium. It will be the 4th edition of its kind and they will have various talented artists from across the globe who are guaranteed to delight all jazz lovers.

, world renowned saxophonist from the USA will be the headlining performer at the festival this year. He will be accompanied by a star studded line up who will be performing with him during the show.

, a unique musical phenomenon from Israel, from Belgium and British-Asian clarinetist, composer and music educator are also slated to dazzle us with their unique sounds.

, who performed at the annual Jazz ahead showcase in Bremen, Germany in April 2016, and from the Democratic Republic of Congo are the African acts also scheduled to perform at the festival.

Local artists lined up for the festival include home grown , and the amazing .

Music lovers can expect to enjoy a selection of pure jazz as well as a mix of jazz fusions with influences from around the world.

All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the Ghetto Classics, a non-profit programme that teaches music skills to the youth from underprivileged backgrounds. To date we have successfully raised over 19 million towards this programme to uplift the lives of many youth by way of providing musical instruments, classes, and much more.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Sunday 26th February 2017.

Venue: Kasarani Training Grounds

Entry Charges: Ksh. 2000 for adults and Ksh. 500 for students (proof of ID must be provided)

Tickets: Available at select Safaricom shops, Michael Joseph Centre and via m-Ticketing by dialing 1511.

Gates open at 10 AM show starts at 12 PM.

About Safaricom Jazz

Since its inception in February 2014, the Safaricom International Jazz Festival has evolved into an unmissable celebration of live music. The Festival prides itself in bringing together talented musicians from all over the world and has played a significant role in nurturing the Kenyan jazz scene, making the genre more accessible to fans and bringing together music lovers for a good cause.

In addition to the main Festival that takes place each year in February, Safaricom hosts the Safaricom Jazz Lounge twice a year, delivering a heady mix of live music performances within an intimate setting designed to crate a memorable fan experience.

But these events are more than the music, dancing and laughter synonymous with Safaricom Jazz; all proceeds go towards supporting Ghetto Classics, a non-profit, community-based programme that seeks to transform the lives of youth from underprivileged backgrounds by introducing them to the world of live jazz and classical music.

And that’s what makes Safaricom Jazz special: it is music that moves.