Excitement is building in Uganda’s capital as the inaugural dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival prepares to bring a fusion of local and international jazz to the Kampala Serena Hotel on May 10, 2025.
Organized by dfcu Bank, the event promises to be a landmark celebration of Uganda’s rich musical heritage and its growing influence on the global jazz scene.
Helena Mayanja, dfcu Bank’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, describe the festival as a cultural milestone.
“Jazz connects Uganda’s African rhythms to the world, and this event is about showcasing our talent while fostering global connections,” she said.
The festival aims to promote Uganda’s creative economy, boost tourism, and provide a platform for local artists to shine alongside international stars.
The lineup features a stellar cast, including Uganda’s own Isaiah Katumwa, a celebrated saxophonist returning home after years in the United States, marking a highly anticipated homecoming.
He will be joined by Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum and local jazz icon Tshaka Mayanja with his Black Roots Academy of Soul, blending African and soulful influences with jazz’s improvisational spirit.
Jazz, born in New Orleans from African rhythms, blues, and ragtime, resonates deeply in Uganda, where traditional rhythms like kiganda and kadongo kamu echo its roots.
The festival will highlight this fusion, offering a stage for Ugandan musicians to collaborate with global artists, fostering artistic exchange and opening doors for future opportunities.
Beyond music, the event underscores dfcu Bank’s commitment to Uganda’s cultural and economic growth.
“This festival is about building community and celebrating progress,” Mayanja noted, pointing to the bank’s 60-year legacy of supporting entrepreneurship and cultural initiatives.
The event is expected to create jobs and stimulate sectors like hospitality and transportation.
Tickets are already on sale, with early bird general admission priced at UGX 250,000 and tables of eight at UGX 6,000,000, available at select dfcu branches or online via www.quicket.co.ug.
Sponsors, including Pepsi, Next Media, and Radio One, are helping to bring this vision to life.
As Kampala counts down to May 10, the dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival is poised to be a defining moment for Uganda’s music scene, blending tradition with global innovation under the elegant roof of the Serena Hotel.
Jazz enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike are urged to secure their tickets for what promises to be an unforgettable night.