Safaricom proudly illuminated Nairobi’s vibrant cultural scene with a KES 2 million sponsorship of the Bob Collymore International Jazz Festival (BCIJF), a dazzling celebration of music and artistry held at the Carnivore Grounds on February 15, 2025.
This commitment underscores Safaricom’s dedication to nurturing the arts, empowering young talent, and honouring the legacy of the late Bob Collymore, former CEO of Safaricom, whose passion for jazz ignited a nationwide appreciation for the genre.
The festival, presented by the Bob Collymore Foundation (BCF), was a symphony of world-class performances, showcasing a spectrum of jazz excellence.
A Symphony of World-Class Jazz Performances
Headlining the event was the charismatic Mozambican jazz saxophonist, composer, and producer, Moreira Chonguiça, whose electrifying performance captivated the audience.
What a show!!
The Saxophone Maestro from Mozambique got Jazz lovers all on their feet!
BC Jazz loves @MoreiraProject #BCJazzNairobi #BCJazzFestival #BCJazzFestival2025 pic.twitter.com/o5g3CqJhV6— Bob Collymore Foundation (@BCfoundKenya) February 15, 2025
Sharing the stage with Chonguiça were an array of exceptional artists, including the dynamic Kenyan collectives Ghetto Classics, Judah & The Tribe, The Kaima Mwiti Quintet, and DJ D-Lite, alongside the captivating Ethiopian band Béga Quartet and the German saxophonist, singer, and composer Stephanie Lottermoser.
Stephanie Lottermoser just set the stage on fire with that German🇩🇪 precision and jazz attitude. She isn’t just playing – she’s commanding the place. 🙌🏻#JazzForGood #BCJazzFestival2025 #SafaricomEmerald pic.twitter.com/3wHNpsrK4P
— Safaricom PLC (@SafaricomPLC) February 15, 2025
The festival served as a powerful platform for these artists, fostering cross-cultural exchange and enriching Kenya’s burgeoning jazz scene.
“Every one of our events is curated to expand access to our emerging jazz ecosystem,” shared Wambui Collymore, Festival Director, BCIJF. “We also aim to engage globally recognized artists to encourage the continued growth of our creative sector.”
🎷🇪🇹 Béga Quartet just took us on a sonic trip straight from Addis to Nairobi.
Their blend of Ethiopian jazz, deep rhythms, and hypnotic melodies is something else.
If jazz had a passport, this would be a STAMP! ✈️🔥
Who’s feeling this vibe? 🎶#JazzForGood… pic.twitter.com/uKVmPAgvJ6
— Safaricom PLC (@SafaricomPLC) February 15, 2025
The Kaima Mwitu Quintet from Kenya isn’t just playing music, they’re weaving a whole mood. 🎷#JazzForGood #BCJazzFestival2025 pic.twitter.com/kwRuo74Z9R
— Safaricom PLC (@SafaricomPLC) February 15, 2025
Jazz as a Catalyst for Social Change
The BCIJF is more than just a musical spectacle; it’s a catalyst for social change. Proceeds from the festival directly support music education for underprivileged youth in Kenya through organizations like the Ghetto Classics program, providing invaluable opportunities for artistic expression and personal development.
“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 emphasised.
The festival has become a cornerstone of Nairobi’s cultural calendar, a testament to Bob Collymore’s vision of nurturing a thriving jazz culture in Kenya.
It embodies the growth of Kenyan jazz, amplifying local talent while celebrating African excellence. The BCIJF not only showcases established artists but also nurtures emerging talent, echoing Collymore’s commitment to building a platform for revolutionary African artists.
The Bob Collymore Foundation: Transforming Lives Through Art
The Bob Collymore Foundation, through initiatives like the BCIJF, empowers over 300 underprivileged youth in Kenya through music education, transforming lives and communities.
The Foundation’s mission is to unlock creativity, boost self-confidence, and transform lives by providing resources and inclusive programs in the arts, with a focus on jazz, classical music, and the visual arts.
Furthermore, the Foundation facilitates networking opportunities for sustainable businesses aligned with the theme of “business for good,” creating a ripple effect of positive change.
The BCIJF is a testament to the power of music to inspire, unite, and transform lives, carrying forward Bob Collymore’s passion for jazz and his commitment to empowering the next generation.
