Safaricom announces KES 1 million sponsorship for the Nairobi International Jazz Festival to be headlined by Jonathan Butler

27 October 2023

The weekend's jazz event will channel its proceeds towards supporting cancer initiatives through the Twatukuza Trust

Nairobi, Kenya – 27^th October 2023 …  Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has today announced a KES. 1 million sponsorship to support the Nairobi International Jazz Festival that will be headlined by South African jazz legend, Jonathan Butler at the Bomas of Kenya, tomorrow.

In honour of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the weekend concert has been dubbed “Jazz for Cancer”, and proceeds will be channeled to Twatukuza Trust to support cancer initiatives that include raising public awareness to help save thousands of lives.

“We are proud to be involved with the Nairobi International Jazz Festival, an event that epitomizes our rich musical heritage. For years, Safaricom has been dedicated to supporting and nurturing jazz music in the country through the Safaricom Jazz Festival. This festival has been instrumental in equipping young boys and girls from underprivileged backgrounds in Korogocho and other areas around the country, with music skills since 2014 under Ghetto Classics, therefore helping them realize their passion and transform their lives through music,” said Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom.

On stage to curtain-raise for Mr Butler will be amazing local talent: Hornspere and Jacob Asiyo, Kaima and Friends. The Beathogs Band will play their set after Mr. Butler’s performance. All the bands will be supported by Dj Andre on the decks throughout the evening.

Jonathan Butler is a South African-born guitarist and a renowned performer known for his crossover blend of R&B, pop, jazz fusion, and worship music. He is a Grammy-nominated artiste with several songs in the Top Ten of the Jazz charts and No. 1 songs on various genre charts. This will be his third visit to Kenya, with the first one happening in 2010, and the second in 2015 where he performed at the Safaricom International Jazz Festival.

The festival grounds at Bomas of Kenya will be a vibrant hub with multiple stages, interactive installations, food vendors, and opportunities for connection and discovery.

Advance tickets are going for KES. 5,000 each while at the gate, the ticket will cost KES. 6,500.