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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Bob Collymore Foundation
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251001
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251003
DTSTAMP:20260422T152454
CREATED:20250901T060622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250901T085226Z
UID:1552-1759276800-1759449599@bcfoundation.co.ke
SUMMARY:Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
DESCRIPTION:Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Set to Dazzle at BC International Jazz Festival\nAfrica tour marks first multi-country visit to the continent for award-winning ensemble  \nNAIROBI\, KENYA – 22nd August 2025: \nThe Bob Collymore Foundation (BCF) announces the inaugural BC Jazz Lounge\, which is part of the BC International Jazz Festival Series (BCIJF) series. The Lounge will feature the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. \nGrammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis\, music director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, is set to headline two curated events in Nairobi on 1st and 2nd October 2025. The Orchestra will also lead an education day for emerging artists and students\, including a master class for local Jazz artists as well as a selection of students from Ghetto Classics and other schools in Nairobi. \nNairobi is one of the key stops for the inaugural multi-country Africa tour by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis\, which comprises of an ensemble of 15 virtuoso instrumentalists\, unique soloists\, composers\, arrangers\, and educators whose mandate is to coalesce and animate an unprecedented variety of styles and genres. \nMr. Marsalis\, who is a world-renowned trumpeter\, bandleader\, and composer\, currently serves as Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center\, the Director of Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School\, and President of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation. Since his recording debut in 1982\, he has released 127 jazz\, classical and alternative recordings and won several awards. \nWe are incredibly honoured to be able to host the Orchestra as they take on their first multi-country Africa tour. The Tour indicates that our Festival has achieved yet another milestone in its quest to become an integral part of Africa’s growing jazz ecosystem. – Wambui Collymore\, Festival Director\, BCIJF.  \nBCIJF will host two shows at the Tamarind Gardens on 1st October and 2nd October respectively. The show on 1st October will be a VIP show\, while the 2nd October show will be a general event following a special performance for schools. \nOn this tour\, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis also includes special guests: drummer Herlin Riley\, percussionist Weedie Braimah\, and vocalist Shenel Johns. They will perform Marsalis’s new work\, Afro!\, which will premiere right before their tour to Africa. Afro! will build on Marsalis’ previous opuses as Blood on the Fields (1996)\, Congo Square (2007)\, Ochas (2014)\, the fresh big band arrangements comprising JALCO’s The South African Songbook concert (2019) as well as Kenya\, a song launched in 2023. \n“The JLCO’s first tour of Africa is deeply profound\,” JALC’s Managing and Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis says. “In the globally influential music and dance concepts of Africa\, we can perceive how to find harmony and balance with nature\, how to perceive and interact with the supernatural\, and how to create endless variations on fundamental themes in pursuit of a good time.” \nTickets are live as of today on mookh.com. \nEvent Details  \nVenue: Mitsumi Gardens\, next to Carnivore Grounds:  \n\n1st October: Dinner and Show – Tickets: Ksh 12\,500\n2nd October: Fan Show \n\n○ Adult Ticket: Ksh 3\,500 (increases to Ksh 4\,000 from 1stSeptember) \n\n2nd October: Education Day (school show for select schools and artistes). For an invitation for a school group\, please email bcinternationaljazzfestival@gmail.com\n\nTickets available here. \nFor more information\, please contact\nKui Kinyanjui\, Communications Lead\,\nBob Collymore Foundation at kuikinyanjui@gmail.com
URL:https://bcfoundation.co.ke/event/jazz-lincoln-center-orchestra-with-wynton-marsalis/
CATEGORIES:Festivals
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bcfoundation.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Subsection-of-the-band_playing-as-small-group_credit-Luigi-Beverelli.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250215T100000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250215T163000
DTSTAMP:20260422T152454
CREATED:20250121T143132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T131343Z
UID:1677-1739613600-1739637000@bcfoundation.co.ke
SUMMARY:Bob Collymore Foundation Jazz Festival 2025
DESCRIPTION:BUY TICKETS \nBC Jazz Festival is back\, bigger and bolder! Get ready for an extraordinary day of smooth melodies\, thrilling solos\, and world-class performances. From East Africa’s finest to an international sensation\, this is the sound you’ve been waiting for. \nEvery one of our events is curated to expand access to our emerging jazz ecosystem. We also aim to engage globally recognised artistes to encourage the continued growth of our creative sector. -Wambui Collymore\, Festival Director\, BCIJF \nThe Bob Collymore Foundation (BCF) has announced an exciting lineup ahead of the second event in the BC International Jazz Festival Series (BCIJF).\nSet to take place on 15th February 2025\, East Africa’s largest Jazz Festival will celebrate Africa’s growing jazz ecosystem\, featuring an unprecedented lineup of artistes.
URL:https://bcfoundation.co.ke/event/bcf-jazz-festival-2025/
LOCATION:Carnivore Grounds
CATEGORIES:Festivals
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bcfoundation.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/slide1a.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241026
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241112
DTSTAMP:20260422T152454
CREATED:20241010T073055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241023T051659Z
UID:1646-1729900800-1731369599@bcfoundation.co.ke
SUMMARY:BC International Jazz Festival 2025' Auditions
DESCRIPTION:For the upcoming February 2025 show\, we are planning an even bigger stage!\nWe have now officially opened our auditions process.\nIf you are a Kenyan jazz artist\, your journey to be part of this phenomenal event starts once you register HERE.\nFill out the form and more information will be shared via email – including details of when and where auditions will take place. \nThe competition is usually stiff so here’s a few tips for the day:\n\nRehearse\, rehearse and rehearse.\nDress sharp.\nArrive on time!\nCome ready to have a fun time but also impress the judges.\n\nRegistration Deadline\n26th October 2024\, 5PM EAT\nAudition Date\n2nd November 2024\n 
URL:https://bcfoundation.co.ke/event/bc-international-jazz-festival-2025-auditions/
CATEGORIES:Festivals
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bcfoundation.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/BC-Jazz-Auditions.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20240224T120000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20240224T210000
DTSTAMP:20260422T152454
CREATED:20240202T174651Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240222T131143Z
UID:1559-1708776000-1708808400@bcfoundation.co.ke
SUMMARY:BC International Jazz Festival 2024
DESCRIPTION:  \nBob Collymore Foundation Announces Second Jazz Festival for February 2024 \nEvent follows highly popular inaugural event held in July 2023 and promises to unveil a fresh roster of African performers on the live stage \nThe Bob Collymore Foundation (BCF) has announced an exciting lineup ahead of the second event in the BC International Jazz Festival Series (BCIJF).Set to take place on 24th February 2024\, East Africa’s largest Jazz Festival will celebrate Africa’s growing jazz ecosystem\, featuring an unprecedented lineup of artistes under the theme: Africa Ascend.The award-winning Congolese-Belgian fusionist Syssi Mananga will headline the event alongside Tanzania’s Humphrey Muba\, the East African percussionists Enkare Saxophone Quartet and Nairobi-based musician Samuel Mutuku.The Jazztified\, the engaging jazz ensemble will also join the stage alongside fan favourites the Safaricom Youth Orchestra\, Ghetto Classic and DJ D-Lite who will provide entertainment between sets. \nOur ambition is to honour our founder Bob Collymore’s wish to build a platform to give Africa’s revolutionary artists and musicians the opportunity to showcase their talent through curated experiences.  Wambui Collymore\, Festival Director\, BCIJF \nTickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated event which will take place at the Carnivore Grounds on 24th February 2024 starting from 12pm. While the first BCIJF brought together Kenyan jazz stars in a sold out\, crowd-pleasing experience; the second festival will highlight the power of music in connecting societies across East Africa through music. \nOur promise to continue showcasing musicians who are making an impact on the African music scene is coming to life. Jazz has the ability to draw us together\, and our Festival brings together creators and seasoned industry professionals to create generational impact. – Kavutha Mwanzia\, the Festival Music Director. \nPromising to be a family day filled with unbridled creative expression and artistic excellence\, the Festival will feature fresh acts\, fan favourites and entertainment.Through its continuing transformative partnership with Ghetto Classics\, the Festival will also feature young musicians from the initiative\, and part of the proceeds shall go towards providing music education to over 300 underprivileged youth through the programme.Advance tickets to BC International Jazz Festival are now retailing at Ksh2\,500 for adults\, Ksh 1\,000 for youths between the ages of 12 and 18 and Ksh500 for children. Jazz enthusiasts under the age of five will enjoy free entry. \nEnkare Saxophone Quartet (KENYA)\n \nEnkare Saxophone Quartet is a talented group of musicians from Nairobi\, Kenya. The quartet is known for its unique blend of classical\, contemporary\, and jazz styles\, all infused with the rhythms of African percussion. The group comprises Samuel Mutuku on alto saxophone\, Ryan Searle on soprano saxophone\, Kevin Thuita on baritone sax\, and Laka Waithaka on tenor sax. John Maina joins them on percussion to give the music a rhythmic lift.   Each member of the quartet is an accomplished recording and performing artist in his own right. Together\, their delicate harmonic blend is uplifting\, and their performance dynamic is mesmerizing.   The Enkare Saxophone Quartet captures an aspect of African jazz music that has hitherto been missing in the Kenyan music scene. Their music is impressive\, captivating\, and unforgettable and celebrates the vibrant dynamism of the saxophone family as solo\, melodic\, and harmonic instruments. Their performances are a celebration of jazz harmony and African culture and showcase the talents of each member of the quartet.   If you want a truly unique and exciting musical experience\, check out Enkare Saxophone Quartet! \nGhetto Classics (Kenya)\n \nGhetto Classics is the flagship programme of the Art of Music Foundation. The programme is the result of its Founder\, Elizabeth Njoroge’s vision for classical music’s ability to change the lives of children in some of the poorest communities in Nairobi. Started in 2007\, the community programme involves over 500 children in Korogocho – where about 300\,000 urban\, low income households exist. \nThe program also works with over 1000 more children in nine satellite areas around Nairobi\, one in Kiambu and four in Mombasa. Through such partnerships\, the Festival will continue to uplift and empower communities across Kenya. \nMUBBA (Tanzania)\n \nMubba (born Humphrey Mbaruku) is a jazz bassist\, songwriter and composer from Tanzania. Since his beginnings\, both traditional jazz and African music form an important part of his life. He has been inspired by artists such as Richard Bona\, Ettiene Mbape\, Marcus Miller\, Tatu Nane\, Jimmy DluDlu\, Jonathan Butler\, Hugh Masekela among other greats. Due to these varieties and legendary experience and exposure\, his music connects with audiences from different cultures around Africa and other corners of the world as well. \nHe has performed at concerts and featured in collaborations and live recordings of other people as a bass player\, entertaining audiences with his special kind of fusion and jazz. Mubba has been a member of Witiri Jazz\, Moon Jazz\, a fusion jazznband that performed at notable events like Jazz Night\, charity events and Alliance Francaise organized creative events in Arusha and Dar Es Salaam. Playing live music as a full time occupation for Mubba has seen him appear at festivals around Tanzania like Ongala Festival\, Kan Festival\, Bagamoyo Festival while featuring in various recordings at numerous studios. He has played with artists and musicians from inside and outside Tanzania namely Paul Clement\, Joel Lwaga\, Ruby\, Mozez Zamangwa\, Isabella Novella\, Bob Julie\, King David\, and many others. \nIn mid 2021 Mubba finished his education in music at Tumaini University\, Makumira where he also got a chance to be one of the judges in the UK Talent Train in Arusha. Now he is working as a music teacher at FEZA international school. He got a chance to teach music to orphanage students and a few local schools as a volunteer where he shared much needed knowledge and experience with students and colleagues alike.He recently got a chance to perform at the Tedx event doing two of his original compositions. \nThe Safaricom Youth Orchestra (KENYA)\n \nThe Safaricom Youth Orchestra is an exciting musical project that was launched by Bob Collymore in April 2014. It’s made up of young musicians aged between 10 to 17years from different backgrounds united by music. The players whose talent spans across the four groups of musical instruments; woodwinds\, brass\, percussion\, and strings are under the guidance of the it’s directors Duncan Wambugu\, Levi Wataka and qualifiedt utors. The members have performed with various events such as Madaraka Day at State House\, the Safaricom Jazz Festival and more. \nSam Mutuku (KENYA)\n \nEmbark on a sonic journey with Nairobi-based musician Samuel Mutuku\, whose musical exploration spans jazz\, European-art music\, Kenyan folk\, and contemporary genres. A versatile sideman\, Samuel has collaborated with notable musicians and entities such as Chris Adwar\, Kaima Mwiti\, Jacob Asiyo\, The Beathogs and Sauti Sol. \nAs a composer and leader\, he has been a crucial member of Ad Hoc and the Maskani Big Band\, achieving milestones like sharing the stage with Grammy Award winning artist in Diane Reeves in 2018 and playing at SolFest in 2023.Beyond his instrumental prowess\, Samuel is committed to offering an alternative live music experience\, combining technical mastery\, intricate arrangements\, and compelling narratives to inspire and entertain. Connect with him on Instagram \, Facebook\, and Twitter.Explore Samuel Mutuku’s music on Apple Music\, Spotify\, and YouTube. Join him on this musical journey\, where every note tells a story\, and each performance is an invitation to experience the magic of interconnected musical worlds. \nSyssi Mananga (DRC)\n Multiple Award Winning singer-song writer\, Syssi Mananga was revealed to the public with her first album Retour aux Sources (“Back to Roots”) in 2012. Her sound is a fusion of musical styles at the crossroads of Kongo rhythms\, jazz\, soul\, zouk and pop. The Congolese-Belgian artist innovates with songs in Lingala\, French\, English and Spanish. Her latest album Mopepe Mama (2021) was acclaimed by music critics worldwide\, topping at #6 of the World Music Chart by TWMC. \n“Mopepe Mama is given strength by Mananga’s bewitching melisma. A seamless\, uplifting work.”  —Songlines “One of the best surprises to come along in quite some time. Musicianship is first class.”  — Sunday Times  \nSyssi’s songs will transport you with themes around the pride for one’s origins\, the absurdity of war through the eyes of a child soldier\, the courage to stand for freedom\, the need for respect for the environment\, as well as love and forgiveness. \nThe Jazztified (Kenya)\n \nThe Jazztified is a musical ensemble that creates memorable experiences.  \nWe do this through the medium of music\, particularly the genres of jazz\, salsa\, contemporary African\, vintage soul and R&B. The Jazztified is made up of a line-up of talented and seasoned music professionals. Led by saxophonist Tim Riungu\, a regular performer in Nairobi’s jazz venues since 2007\, the group began in 2018 as an acoustic trio. Along with Sedar Oddenyo and Tony Kimangu\, the act\, then known as the Sax Appeal trio\,  pioneered the live music culture at the iconic Geco Café\, Nairobi.  \n2022 witnessed the expansion of the group as keyboardist extraordinare George “Possum” Nyoro\, trumpet  maestro Ben Maleck and groovemaster Richard Wandati joined and elevated the group’s vibe. With the  growth of a second gig\, The Sundowner at Ndemi Place\, the band welcomed vocalist Shitaqua Musoga.   \nThe Jazztified continues their residency at both the vibrant Geco Café and the exclusive Ndemi Place\, playing a dynamic mix of adventurous music\, reinterpreting classics and presenting original music to the  world.  \nWe look forward to sharing our sounds and vibes and honour the memory of Bob Collymore\, a dedicated patron of jazz music and the arts. \nDavid “DJ D-Lite” Muriithi (Kenya)\nDJ D-Lite oozes charisma and his beaming onstage persona paired with his intrinsic command over whichever crowd he plays for is but one of the reasons why he has remained relevant to a wide local and international demographic over the past 32 years. Often nicknamed “The Legend” his experience is unparalleled in the East African entertainment industry. His music tastes and fanbase stretches from 25yrs to the 50+ yrs demographic – A rare feat. \nCreative entrepreneur\, legendary event and talent manager\, music promoter\, property developer and DJ\, David Muriithi is also CEO of the Creative Enterprise Centre whose main focus are implementing strategies that enhance professionalism within the creative industry in Africa. He has discovered and nurtured many creative talents in East Africa\, especially musicians\, including the legendary East African Hip Hop trio Kalamashaka\, Hardstone\, Necessary Noize\, Nameless\, Suzanna Owiyo\, Gidi Gidi Maji Maji and Warner/Gallo signed Valerie Kimani amongst many others in a creative career spanning over 32 years both in the UK and East Africa. \nDavid\, a retired Ernst & Young auditor\, has manifested his creative expression through his alter ego\, the very popular DJ D-Lite over the past 3 decades and had opened for various Grammy-Award winning acts such as Run DMC\, Kool & The Gang\, Simply Red\, Brand New Heavies\, James Taylor Quartet\, Blackstreet\, SWV\, James Ingram\, Freddie Jackson\, Hugh Masekela and featured in various major local events such as The Safaricom and Bob Collymore Jazz Festivals\, Blankets & Wine\, Koroga Festival amongst others. He has also Deejayed across Europe (UK\, Italy\, Belgium\, Holland – including the infamous Ibiza)\, South America (Brazil) as well as across Africa (Kenya\, Uganda\, Tanzania\, Ethiopia\, Nigeria\, South Africa) specialising in (but not restricted to) Old School\, Jazz\, House and Hip Hop music and recently had the honour to play music for former US President Barack Obama during his recent visit to Kenya in 2018. \nAn expert on creative entrepreneurship including Intellectual Property\, David is often consulted widely across the globe on matters connected with trade and industry in creativity and creative products. He has sat as a board member on The Kenya Copyright Board for 6 years and was also the regional agent for South Africa’s Afro-Jazz Legend the late Hugh Masekela for over 20 years. \nhttps://bcfoundation.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/WhatsApp-Video-2024-02-04-at-11.06.35.mp4\n  \nGET YOUR TICKETS HERE
URL:https://bcfoundation.co.ke/event/bc-international-jazz-festival-2024/
LOCATION:Carnivore Grounds
CATEGORIES:Festivals
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bcfoundation.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BC-Jazz-1500-x-1000.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230701T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230701T235900
DTSTAMP:20260422T152454
CREATED:20230602T074832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230824T060912Z
UID:144-1688169600-1688255940@bcfoundation.co.ke
SUMMARY:BC International Jazz Festival 2023
DESCRIPTION:JAZZ TAKEOVER \nThe BC International Jazz Festival (BCIJF) is a festival series that promises to become Kenya’s most influential jazz experience. Jazz has been part of the Kenyan fabric since the 1960s. In the 2010s\, it rose to prominence as a direct result of Bob Collymore’s interest in the genre through the immensely popular Safaricom International Jazz Festival. Today\, jazz has evolved the Kenyan music soul. \nBob strongly believed in the power of music as a tool to unite people from different backgrounds. He thought music could act as a catalyst to democratise the arts and erase socioeconomic barriers. This is why the BCIJF is keen to carry on his legacy – to build bridges and make live music accessible to more people. Each jazz festival is more than a one-off event. It is a continuous quest to broaden the unifying influence of music for Kenyan society. \nOur plans for a grand concert to be held in February 2024 include hosting international artistes from the USA\, Belgium\, Germany\, our neighbours here in Africa and more. We will also offer cross-cultural exchange through Master Classes. Every series year\, the Festival will select a deserving project which will receive part proceeds from the ticket sales. Our beneficiary for 2023/2024\, is Ghetto Classics. \nGHETTO CLASSICS\n Ghetto Classics is the flagship programme of the Art of Music Foundation. The programme is the result of its Founder\, Elizabeth Njoroge’s vision for classical music’s ability to change the lives of children in some of the poorest communities in Nairobi. Started in 2007\, the community programme involves over 500 children in Korogocho – where about 300\,000 urban\, low income households exist. \nThe program also works with over 1000 more children in nine satellite areas around Nairobi\, one in Kiambu and four in Mombasa. Through such partnerships\, the Festival will continue to uplift and empower communities across Kenya. \nTickets for the July 1st 2023 inaugural BC International Jazz Festival can be found here: https://mookh.com/event/the-bc-international-jazz-festival \n 
URL:https://bcfoundation.co.ke/event/bc-international-jazz-festival-2023/
LOCATION:Carnivore Grounds
CATEGORIES:Festivals
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bcfoundation.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Website-Banner-1920-x-1080-pix2.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200701T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200701T233000
DTSTAMP:20260422T152454
CREATED:20200701T075449Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230824T060325Z
UID:147-1593628200-1593646200@bcfoundation.co.ke
SUMMARY:Bob Collymore Online Memorial International Jazz Festival
DESCRIPTION:A special online memorial and tribute done during Covid19.\nThis technology enabled celebration saw performances by among others\, Jonathan Butler (USA)\, Maya (Israel)\, Jef Neve (Belgium) – with a special composition for Bob. There were also tributes by people who knew Bob personally and kind words from Richard Branson\, Mo Ibrahim\, Michael Joseph and Juliani. The memorial ended with a recorded saxophone session of Bob performing “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers. \n \n  \n 
URL:https://bcfoundation.co.ke/event/bob-collymore-online-memorial-international-jazz-festival/
LOCATION:Online\, Youtube
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Online Event
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