Kampala – Jazz enthusiasts in Uganda are in for a treat as dfcu Bank announces the inaugural dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival, set to take place on May 10th, 2025, at Kampala Serena Hotel.
The festival promises to deliver an unforgettable jazz experience, bringing together local and international jazz stars to fuse international and African music influences.
As part of dfcu Bank’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, the festival aims to promote local talent, amplify Uganda’s rich cultural voice, and showcase it to the world.
According to Helena Mayanja, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations at dfcu Bank, music has the power to transcend barriers and bring people together.
“Music has an extraordinary way of cutting across barriers—whether those barriers are cultural, social, or even generational. Jazz, in particular, is a genre that embodies freedom and creativity,” she said during the launch of the forthcoming event that happened at Kampala Serena hotel on Tuesday.
Headlining the event are Uganda’s celebrated saxophonist Isaiah Katumwa, who returns to Uganda after relocating to the United States, and world-renowned saxophonist Kirk Whalum, a Grammy-winning artist. Also performing at the festival are Tshaka Mayanja and the Black Roots Academy of Soul, one of Uganda’s most talented jazz musicians.
Namayanja praised the local artists, saying they are “not just musicians; they are storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and inspirations to many.”
The festival provides a platform for these talented musicians to showcase their skills, as Namayanja noted, “Uganda is brimming with gifted musicians who have stories to tell and rhythms to share…That’s why dfcu Jazz in the Pearl is more than a concert—it’s a stepping stone.”
The festival will provide local Ugandan jazz musicians with the opportunity to perform alongside international stars, fostering artistic exchange and creating a platform for future collaborations. It is part of dfcu Bank’s long-term goal to establish an East African jazz festival that will become a must-attend event, celebrating jazz’s historical roots, cultural resonance, and growing popularity.
dfcu Bank has partnered with several organizations, including Pepsi, Next Media, Fenon, Malembe Styles, Radio One, and Black Roots Academy of Soul, to make the festival a success.
Tickets for the event are now available at selected dfcu branches and online, with prices starting at UGX 250,000 for general admission and UGX 6,000,000 for a table of eight.