The highly anticipated third edition of the Bob Collymore International Jazz Festival is set to take place on February 15, 2025, promising an unforgettable experience for jazz lovers in Kenya and beyond. Named in honor of the late Bob Collymore, the visionary Safaricom CEO who played a pivotal role in popularizing jazz in Kenya, the festival will showcase a vibrant mix of fresh local talent alongside renowned regional and international artists.
The 2025 festival will feature new acts that were selected through a competitive audition process held in late 2024. Among the exciting additions are the Kaima Mwiti Quintet, a fresh fusion of sounds, and Judah and the Tribe, a dynamic nine-piece Afro-jazz ensemble that is expected to bring an energetic and unique vibe to the stage. These rising stars will join a stellar lineup of Kenyan artists, all eager to celebrate the growing jazz scene in the country.
“Our audition process attracted a wealth of new talent, and it’s a testament to the thriving creative ecosystem in Kenya,” said Wambui Collymore, Festival Director. “The diversity of acts joining us this year is a reflection of the immense potential that our music scene holds.”
Alongside Kenya’s up-and-coming jazz acts, the festival will also host internationally acclaimed musicians from Germany, Mozambique, and Barbados, with more artists to be announced soon. This year’s event promises to be a cultural exchange that brings together the best of jazz from around the world.
The Bob Collymore International Jazz Festival is not just about great music—it’s a celebration of the legacy of a man whose love for jazz transformed Kenya’s music scene. Bob Collymore, who passed away in 2019, created the Safaricom International Jazz Festival, a groundbreaking event that attracted jazz legends like Salif Keita, Hugh Masekela, and the late Manu Dibango. Under his leadership, the festival raised millions of shillings to benefit underprivileged youth in Kenya, providing them with access to music education and creative opportunities.
Following his passing, his widow, Wambui Collymore, launched the BC International Jazz Festival in 2023 to continue her husband’s legacy and his passion for music’s transformative power. The inaugural event was a resounding success, drawing thousands of music lovers to Nairobi’s Carnivore Grounds, where they enjoyed performances from Kenya’s finest jazz musicians.