Last Sunday (Feb 23rd) afternoon saw the making of history as the face of Jazz in Kenya was forever changed into something a bit more recognizable, a bit more relatable. Before the main act at the fest, Cameroonian US-based singer: Richard Bona electrified the crowd, with his easy charms and massive band, heads were already nodding and feet tapping on the magnificently set up stage, thanks to The Rhythm Junks from Belgium.
The Nile Project from-you guessed it- represented countries along the Nile. Yuval Cohen from Israel also performed. Kenya’s own Kavutha and Jacob Asiyo – performed together. Aaron “Crucial Keys” Rimbui; Chris Bittok and Eddie Grey, arguably Kenya’s biggest name in the jazz scene, were also in attendance.
The Nile Project, an initiative with a mission to inspire, educate, and empower Nile citizens,went first with a set that felt too short; some members from the project were beautiful women and talented musicians from Rwanda, Ethiopia and Egypt. Rhythm Junks from Belgium braved the stage next with an enthusiasm and rhythm that was hard to match playing some electrifying jazz fusion that astonished the audience with its energy and funk.
Our very own Jacob Asiyo and his dynamic trio played with the celebrated Yuval Cohen who lulled the crowd with scintillating jazz from the holy land. Jacob continued entertaining the crowd with his trio joined later by his talented wife Kavutha, leaving the crowd swooning, cheering and proud. Eddie Grey, Aaron “Crucial Keys” Rimbui and Chris Bittok’s performances brought out the best of Kenyan jazz with trumpet sections that took our breath away, saxophone solos that stunned and amazed, and interpretations of standards that every single person in the event will appreciate for the rest of their life.
When Richard Bona’s band started setting up, shukas were abandoned; belongings were moved as a crowd of anticipating people formed at the front of the stage. He walked onto the stage and the crowd went wild. No introductions were necessary as they launched into two fast paced, leg raising, head banging hits to the loud and expressive applause. The crowd was wild. As the set continued, Bona made every woman fall in love with him, and left every man in awe of such easy power as he massacred every song. Making the heavy and complicated music look like child’s play, Bona seemed a happy man while on stage. The crowd could be heard laughing from the main road, as he mentioned how good the fish from Mama Oliech is; or how Kenyan Ugali makes one sleepy. He was surprised at how well Kenyans knew his music, entreating him to play old hits and new hits which he kindly obliged. A professional and a gentleman, Bona left the stage to the insistent shouts of “We want More! HakiYetu! He was everything Kenyans and revelers at the Jazz Fest hoped for, and more. We have not had enough and look forward to next time.We hope he meant it when he said he would move to Kenya because Kenya loves him.
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