Kampala, Uganda – Renowned saxophonists Isaiah Katumwa and Kirk Whalum are set to headline the inaugural dfcu Bank Jazz in the Pearl Festival, scheduled to take place on May 10th, 2025, at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
The festival, announced by dfcu Bank, promises to bring together a lineup of celebrated local and international jazz artists, including Tshaka Mayanja and the Black Roots Academy of Soul.
For Katumwa, the festival marks a triumphant return to Uganda after years abroad. He will share the stage with Grammy-winning American saxophonist Kirk Whalum, known for his captivating performances.
According to Helena Mayanja, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at dfcu bank, the festival aims to promote Uganda’s jazz music industry and celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage.
“Music has an extraordinary ability to transcend boundaries and connect people, and dfcu Bank is proud to bring you the dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival because of our deep belief in the power of connection. For six decades, we have been driven by a vision of building a community of progress, and this concert allows us to celebrate that journey with the Ugandan people,” Mayanja said.
The dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival marks a powerful cultural collaboration, aimed at not only entertaining audiences but also promoting Uganda’s jazz music industry. This sponsorship builds on dfcu Bank’s commitment to empowering Ugandans and fostering connections through shared experiences.
Over its 60-year history, dfcu Bank has played an instrumental role in bringing people together, supporting entrepreneurial ambitions, and celebrating Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage.
The festival is part of dfcu Bank’s long-term commitment to promoting and preserving Uganda’s jazz culture, with plans to expand the event into a regional festival in the future.
Tickets for the dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival are now available, with prices starting at UGX 250,000 for general admission (early bird) and UGX 6,000,000 for a table of eight.