Sax, Soul & Stardom: Jazz Royalty Isaiah Katumwa and Kirk Whalum Electrify Kampala

The notes were smooth, the crowd electric, and the vibe unmatched as Uganda’s jazz icon Isaiah Katumwa returned to a thunderous homecoming performance at the inaugural dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival held at Serena Hotel Kampala.

In a celebration of sound, soul, and style, the festival brought the heartbeat of global jazz to the Pearl of Africa—proof that music, indeed, is life.

From the moment Katumwa stepped onto the stage, sax in hand and heart wide open, it was clear: this night was magic in motion.

“It’s so good to be home,” he said with heartfelt emotion.

“I feel loved, I feel appreciated, I feel honoured. Thank you for the warm welcome.” And then, he let the music speak—smooth, lyrical, powerful. A masterclass in jazz.

His latest single, “Home Away”, wrapped the audience in warmth and nostalgia, while his performance of “Sunrise” and “Special Feelings” brought the house to its feet, the crowd swaying, phones raised, and spirits lifted.

But the soul of the night wasn’t his alone. Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum brought the fire and the faith with a performance that ministered more than it entertained.

“This man is who he thinks he is!” fans exclaimed as Whalum moved from stage to crowd, sax in hand, spirit ablaze. His set was a sermon in sound—a reminder that music heals, connects, and transforms.

Setting the mood earlier in the evening, Black Roots Academy of Soul fused jazz with classic R&B, laying down grooves that hit deep and vibes that refused to fade.

With talents like Tshaka Mayanja joining the line-up, the festival offered a genre-spanning celebration steeped in authenticity and African elegance.

Charles M. Mudiwa, CEO of dfcu Bank, was all in—catching every beat and sharing in the rhythm of the night. “This isn’t just music, it’s a movement,” echoed dfcu’s official channels. “MAGIC. MEMORIES. MELODY.”

Sheila Awori, KCB’s Head of Marketing, and Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda, were also in the mix, championing the power of music to unite brands, people, and passion.

“Jazz looks so good on her,” dfcu tweeted of Kampala—and they weren’t wrong.

As the city skyline danced in sync with the saxophones, one truth rang louder than any note: the #dfcuJazzFestival is here to stay. It’s not just a concert. It’s a calling. A gathering of legends and lovers of music, soul, and story.

And to quote Katumwa himself, “Love inspires my music. Jazz brings joy. It’s healing. It’s a celebration.” Amen to that.