Kampala – Renowned Ugandan saxophonist Isaiah Katumwa is set to make a triumphant return to his home stage at the dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival, marking his first performance in Uganda since relocating to the United States.
The highly anticipated festival, slated for May 10th, 2025, at Kampala Serena Hotel, promises to be a landmark event, blending international and African jazz influences.
dfcu Bank has officially launched the dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival, an initiative aimed at celebrating jazz culture while fostering artistic collaborations between Ugandan and global jazz stars. The event will feature an impressive lineup, including Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum, alongside Uganda’s own jazz legend, Tshaka Mayanja and the Black Roots Academy of Soul.
“I will be performing in Kampala alongside my brother, the great Kirk Whalum. I just had an amazing night, and I’m looking forward to another unforgettable one. I hope you can be there—please don’t miss it! It’s going to be an incredible experience on May 10th. I can’t wait to see you there!” Katumwa said in a recorded video.
Katumwa’s return is being hailed as a homecoming moment for Uganda’s jazz community, as he remains one of the country’s most celebrated musical exports. Over the years, he has performed on global stages, sharing his distinct fusion of African and contemporary jazz with audiences worldwide.
“Music has an extraordinary ability to connect people across cultures, and this festival embodies that spirit,” said dfcu Bank CEO, Charles Mudiwa. “For six decades, dfcu Bank has been committed to fostering meaningful connections, and we are proud to bring an event of this magnitude to Uganda.”
Speaking at the festival launch, Helena Mayanja, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at dfcu Bank, emphasised the bank’s vision of promoting Uganda’s cultural heritage while positioning jazz as a growing artistic force in East Africa.
“This is not just a festival; it’s a movement. Jazz inspires collaboration, celebrates excellence, and provides a platform for Ugandan talent to shine on a global stage.”
A Platform for Ugandan Jazz
Beyond the star-studded lineup, the dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival is also a springboard for Ugandan jazz musicians. The festival’s long-term vision is to evolve into a premier East African jazz festival, attracting both regional and international audiences while allowing local artists to collaborate with world-class musicians.
“You’d be surprised how many people enjoy jazz without even realizing it’s jazz. This festival feels like a revival of the genre, and I can confidently say that launching this event was the right decision—there has been a growing demand for it. People have been waiting for this moment, and it’s finally here,” said Tshaka Mayanja from Black Roots Academy of Soul.
Event organizers Malembe and Fenon Records, known for their top-tier production, promise an unforgettable experience featuring state-of-the-art staging, immersive lighting, and world-class sound.
Evelyn Sukar, Client Services Executive at Fenon Records, stated, “We are dedicated to bringing this event to life with the highest production standards. Uganda deserves a festival of this calibre.”
“Malembe and Fenon are proud to be the production partners for this incredible event. We are honoured to be part of such an amazing experience, bringing world-class jazz to Uganda,” said Afsa Umutesi, Malembe Managing Director.
She added: “Our goal is to create a platform where both local and international enthusiasts can enjoy jazz while providing opportunities for Ugandan artists to immerse themselves in this global musical experience.”
Partnerships and Ticket Information
The festival has also attracted key partnerships, including Crown Beverages Uganda, whose Aquafina brand will ensure attendees stay refreshed throughout the event. Grace Namutebi, Brand Manager at Aquafina Uganda, encouraged attendees to stay hydrated while enjoying the festival responsibly.
Tickets for dfcu Jazz in the Pearl are available at selected dfcu Bank branches and online via Quicket (www.quicket.co.ug). Early bird general admission is UGX 250,000, while a table of 8 is priced at UGX 6,000,000.
With Isaiah Katumwa’s grand return, Kirk Whalum’s electrifying presence, and a lineup of jazz greats, dfcu Jazz in the Pearl is set to be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and homegrown talent.
