KAMPALA, UGANDA – dfcu Bank has announced the launch of its inaugural Jazz in the Pearl Festival, a celebration of music, culture, and emerging Ugandan talent. The festival, set to take place at the Serena Hotel Kampala, will feature international jazz luminary Kirk Whalum alongside prominent Ugandan musicians.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Helena Mayanja, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at dfcu Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s cultural landscape. “Music has an extraordinary way of cutting across barriers,” Ms. Mayanja stated. “Jazz, in particular, embodies freedom and creativity.” She highlighted the festival as a platform to nurture local talent and showcase Uganda’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience.
The event coincides with dfcu Bank’s 60th anniversary and underscores its long-standing support for Uganda’s development, extending beyond financial services to encompass cultural enrichment. Ms. Mayanja explained that the festival aims to provide a stage for emerging Ugandan artists to perform alongside established international acts.
Grammy-award winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum will headline the festival, sharing the stage with Ugandan jazz pioneers Isaiah Katumwa and Tshaka Mayanja, as well as the Black Roots Academy of Soul. Ms. Mayanja praised the contributions of Mr. Katumwa and Mr. Mayanja to the growth of jazz in Uganda and across Africa.
The bank stressed the importance of promoting local musicians, recognizing the abundance of talent within Uganda and the need for platforms to showcase their skills. The dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival, they hope, will serve as a stepping stone for these artists, providing them with exposure and opportunities for growth.
dfcu Bank acknowledged the support of its partners in making the festival a reality, including Pepsi, Next Media, Fenon, Malembe Styles, Radio One, and the Black Roots Academy of Soul.
