Kampala Set to Groove: Whalum and Katumwa headline inaugural dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival
Attendees can expect an unforgettable evening brimming with smooth jazz, soulful storytelling, and captivating African rhythms. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, Tshaka Mayanja and the Black Roots Academy of Soul will also grace the stage with their unique sound.
Jazz enthusiasts are in for a treat this Saturday evening as the luxurious Serena Hotel Kampala hosts the inaugural dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival. Headlining the event is Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum, alongside Uganda’s very own jazz icon, Isaiah Katumwa.
Whalum, speaking at a press conference, expressed a profound connection to Uganda, stating, “When I come to Uganda and play jazz music, I feel like I am paying back a debt. There’s a different energy, a deeper connection, a sense of coming home. It’s like I’ve become a child again and my eyes wide open with wonder.”
Attendees can expect an unforgettable evening brimming with smooth jazz, soulful storytelling, and captivating African rhythms. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, Tshaka Mayanja and the Black Roots Academy of Soul will also grace the stage with their unique sound.
Charles Mudiwa, CEO of dfcu Bank, the festival’s title sponsor, highlighted the unifying power of music. “In Africa, we don’t just listen to music; we live it. This festival is therefore more than an event; it’s a shared journey,” he explained.
For Isaiah Katumwa, the festival’s founder and driving force, the event represents a significant step towards realizing his long-held dream of establishing Uganda as a prominent destination on the global jazz circuit. “The dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival is about building a cultural landmark—something that puts Uganda on the world stage as a destination for creativity and elegance,” Katumwa stated.
dfcu Bank’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Helena Mayanja, announced plans for the festival to become an annual tradition. “This is not a one-off celebration,” she emphasized. “dfcu Jazz in the Pearl will return every year as an annual tradition honouring creativity, musical mastery, and African cultural expression.”
The inaugural dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival kicks off at 6 PM on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Serena Hotel Kampala. Guests are encouraged to dress their best and prepare for an enchanting evening filled with world-class jazz.
