Bob Collymore International Jazz Festival announces global artists for Nairobi event

The artists include globally recognized saxophonists Moreira Chonguiça from Mozambique and Stephanie Lottermoser from Germany, as well as the Bėga Quartet from Ethiopia.

The artists will join Kenyan acts including the Kaima Mwiti Quintet, Judah and the Tribe, Ghetto Classics and DJ D-Lite at the event.

“We are weaving together an electrifying one-of-a-kind experience that brings together top talent from across the world in a family friendly event,” said Wambui Collymore, Festival Director, BCIJF.

“Our artistes are excited to be bringing their unique perspectives to stage for a musical tour of the jazz world.”

Moreira Chonguiça is a key figure in leveraging cultural arts for diplomatic and social transformation, amplifying the significance of his work on a global scale and highlighting his unique blend of music, cultural engagement and international influence.

He stands at the intersection of music and diplomacy, using his global influence to foster cultural exchange and understanding.

As a celebrated Mozambican jazz saxophonist, composer, and producer, his work transcends borders, making him a powerful advocate for cultural diplomacy.

Stephanie Lottermoser tells personal stories as a saxophonist, singer and composer about society, weaving narratives about people and situations through her music. She composes and arranges her music herself and also produced her most recent album, IN-DEPENDENCE.

Being close to her audience has always been very important to her and she manages to create an intimate setting both on club stages and at large festivals and to bring listeners into her musical universe.

The Bėga Quartet brings together prominent Ethiopian instrumentalists that infuse jazz and contemporary sounds with authentic Ethiopian and East African musical cultures.

The Quartet brings together Abiy Osman on alto saxophone and keys, Dawit Adera on drums, Girum Mezmur on guitar, and Henock Temesgen on bass.

Each of the members have built a strong legacy evolving the Addis Ababa music scene by performing with major artists as well as focusing on deepening education on music in their communities.

Together, the four artistes create a unique blend of East African jazz with captivating performance and sound texture.

Part of the proceeds from East Africa’s largest Jazz Festival go towards facilitating music education for youth in Kenya through organisations such as the Ghetto Classics programme.

Specifically, the proceeds provide young adults with access to artistic expression and education which they are unable to access through traditional education systems.

Tickets are on sale for the highly anticipated event which will take place at the Carnivore Grounds on Saturday 15th February 2025. 

Previous editions of the BCIJF have brought together international and regional jazz stars through sold-out, crowd-pleasing and family focused experiences that highlight the power of music in moving and connecting people.