Top Ugandan jazz artists to perform at Kigali Jazz Junction

Katumwa broke onto the international scene at a time when jazz in Uganda (and in East Africa in general) did not have a significant following. In April 2016 Katumwa released his tenth album This Is Me, which he has been promoting. 

Maureen Rutabingwa, popularly known as MoRoots, is Uganda’s leading female saxophonist and will also be performing. A multi-talented instrumentalist, MoRoots has performed with various bands in Uganda, including the Qwela Band. After three years of performing with Qwela as lead vocalist, in 2015 MoRoots formed her own band called Soul Deep. 

Steve Kigozi, also known as Steve Keys, will seek to impress the audience with his impeccable keyboard skills. A self-taught instrumentalist with a natural ear for simple yet soulful modern pieces, he has released two home studio-produced albums: Castle Lore and Traveling Piano.

The night will be a special one for Herbert Rock, who will launch his debut album Sax in the City. In July Herbert announced that he was pursuing a solo career after working with The Neptunez Band, who will also perform at the concert. This edition of the concert will feature an expanded line-up from previous editions.

Speaking to Music In Africa, concert organizer Remmy Lubega said jazz music continues to gain traction in the country but audiences tend to attend concerts based on the artists performing. “For this edition we would like to cater for all audiences by staging acts who perform pure jazz as well as those who are innovating to develop contemporary jazz.”

Tickets to the concert prices are: RWF 10000 ($12.37) Bronze, RWF 20000 ($24.75) Silver, RWF 160000 ($198) for Gold and RWF 250000 ($309) platinum. For more information about Kigali Jazz Junction, visit the event’s Facebook page.