Kirk Whalum and Isaiah Katumwa. PHOTO/ISAAC SSEJJOMBWE
Last Saturday marked the third time Grammy award winner Kirk Whalum was performing in Uganda. “When I come to Uganda and play jazz music, I feel like I am paying back a debt,” he said.
“There is a different energy, a deeper connection, a sense of coming home. It is like I have become a child again.”
For Isaiah Katumwa, a jazz artiste credited for turning many people in Uganda into jazz enthusiasts, it was the first time he was returning to Uganda after six years in the US. The dfcu Jazz in the Pearl festival brought two Legends back on stage and it was magical. The jazz enthusiasts did not just get an experience but an elegant blend of smooth jazz, soulful storytelling, and African rhythm at Kampala Serena Hotel.
With Fenon events behind the stage production, this was definitely going to be an amazing show. Fans started accessing the venue by 6pm and by 9pm, some people were seen stranded at the entrance lining up for tickets, which had sold out. Ben Mwine and Malaika Nnyanzi made the perfect combo as hosts while Tshaka Mayanja’s Black Roots Academy of Soul were the first performers of the evening, mostly doing covers that settled down the audience.
At 9:30pm, Isaiah Katumwa was announced to be the next artiste on the stage but due to sound glitches, he only made it 30 minutes later. When he came on, he received the same kind of love he had always recieved in the past. “Thank you for the warm welcome. I feel appreciated and celebrated.” he said.
He did Home Away, What Is Love and Special Feelings but it was Sunrise and Joy that forced the audience out of their seats to dance along. Katumwa gave a background of the inspiration behind each song he did and also credited his backline that included Josh Mujuni and Silver Asiimwe on the keys, Kelly Isaac on the Base, Israel Tubehinda on the drums, Sharma Mushaga on the Guitar, Rachael Namubiru as the supporting vocalist and Robert Kibalama on the percussions.
After a short break of organising his set, Kirk Whalum came next, escorted by Katumwa. The two showed their admiration for one another, referring to each other as the best. After doing Big Ole Shoes, Isaiah left Whalum on stage to continue with his performance.
