Bob Collymore Foundation announces third jazz festival set to be held in 2025

By showcasing local and international jazz talent, the festival, also known as the Bob Collymore International Jazz Festival (BCIJF), promises to deliver a top-notch musical experience.

It takes great satisfaction in bringing together local and international jazz luminaries through exhilarating events that demonstrate the ability of music to unite societies throughout 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,” Wambui Collymore, Festival Director of BCIJF said.

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 the provision of music education for young people in Kenya who are deprived of access to artistic education because of traditional educational systems.

Dates for ticket sales will soon be announced.

The foundation was set up by the late Mr. Collymore's family in his honour. The foundation has prioritised integrity, music, and the arts—things that were important to him.

He died of acute myeloid leukaemia in 2019 after leading Safaricom for ten years.