The Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi will host the third jazz festival, organized by the Bob Collymore Foundation (BCF), on February 15, 2025. Known as the Bob Collymore International Jazz Festival (BCIJF), the event aims to showcase both local and international jazz talent, promising a top-notch musical experience.
The festival takes pride in uniting local and international jazz luminaries through vibrant events that highlight music’s ability to bring communities together across East Africa. “Every one of our events is curated to expand access to our emerging jazz ecosystem. We also aim to engage globally recognized artists to encourage the continued growth of our creative sector,” said Wambui Collymore, Festival Director of BCIJF.
Auditions for local acts interested in performing at the festival will take place on November 2, 2024, with the application deadline set for October 26, 2024. “Beyond providing an opportunity for local talent to share the stage with global artists, our Festival drives long-lasting impact for youth across Kenya by allowing us to use the arts to affect social change and enhance Kenya’s creative economy,” Ms. Collymore added.
Through initiatives like the Ghetto Classics Programme, the Jazz Festival’s proceeds will support music education for young people in Kenya who lack access to artistic education due to traditional educational systems. Dates for ticket sales will be announced soon.
The foundation was established by the late Mr. Collymore’s family in his honor and prioritizes integrity, music, and the arts—values that were important to him. He passed away from acute myeloid leukemia in 2019 after leading Safaricom for ten years.
