Thousands of Kenyans  yesterday streamed in at the Jockey Club, Ngong Racecourse for the Safaricom International Jazz Festival : A Journey of a Thousand Miles which saw  local and international artistes come together in the Kenya’s largest Jazz extravaganza.

Safaricom has always been an enthusiastic supporter of music through initiatives like Niko na Safaricom Live, Safaricom Classical Fusion and our very own Safaricom Choir.

The country  representation was as  diverse as jazz itself. The international artists showcased all  in  one stage with our very own seasoned Kenyan artistes.

The headline act  was by  the talented RICHARD BONA who has a diverse repertoire with his African heritage and worldly adventures. Though he now resides in New York, Richard hails from Cameroon. He  was a special treat all lovers of Jazz.

Other International acts included the Rhythm Junks from Belgium, Yuval Cohen from Israel, Nile Project from Ethiopia teaming up with their Kenyan counterparts, Aaron Rimbui, Kavutha and Jacob Asiyo, Chris Bittok, Eddie Grey, Kato Change, Christine Kamau and Brian Mugenyi from Uganda.

The Safaricom Jazz International Festival is a benefit concert. All ticket proceeds from the concert will go towards the purchase of music instruments for Ghetto Classics. This is a community programme that involves over 300 children in Korogocho – one of Kenya’s biggest slums that is home to about 300,000 urban poor. It uses music education to provide the youth with opportunities to better themselves and their community.

The Ghetto Classics brass band is now an integral part of the Korogocho community and they regularly play at community events such as weddings and festivals music students from less privileged background.