Kampala swings to global rhythms as Jazz Bliss marks International Jazz Day

International Jazz Day, celebrated annually on April 30th, is a global initiative recognized by UNESCO and the United Nations to celebrate and promote jazz music.

It aims to highlight jazz's role in promoting peace, dialogue and understanding among cultures. 

In Uganda, the jazz genre is driven by enthusiasts, really.

You won’t hear a word from the UNESCO office here, but you certainly will from Tshaka Mayanja and the rest of the jazz community.

A new entry onto the jazz themed nights is the ‘Jazz Bliss’ at Sheraton Kampala Hotel. The band featured for this theme night is a band called One Note.

What Happens at the Jazz Bliss theme night?

I asked the director of the theme night, Dr. Benon Kigozi, what the Jazz Bliss theme night was all about. His response was “The Jazz Bliss Theme Night is an evening dedicated to the richness of jazz music, culture and atmosphere.”
There was a slight, awkward pause, and then I added: “So What happens?”

He went into detail.

One Note delivers live performances featuring classic jazz standards, improvisations, and fusion pieces, often joined by guest artists or spontaneous jam sessions. The event is held at the Victoria Hall in the Sheraton Kampala Hotel every two months.

The hotel appears to have developed a fondness for musical events and activities, with a variety of themed nights so this seems consistent with its approach.
 
The Sheraton transforms the venue into a jazz haven, with themed décor, low lighting, vintage posters, and elegant table settings with white linen, creating a relaxed and classy ambiance.

Guests enjoy a special food and drink menu that includes complimentary sparkling wine, classic American dishes, and a range of signature cocktails like martinis and whiskey sours.

Toward the end of the evening, there is room for light dancing, whether it’s swing, ballroom, or free-style grooving, depending on the mood of the evening.
 
An open mic session also invites local musicians to join the band on stage, creating lively, spontaneous performances that bring the spirit of jazz to life.
 
The Jazz Bliss theme night started in January this year. The April edition has been aligned to International Jazz Day.
 
What to Expect This Edition — International Jazz Day
 
This particular Jazz Night falls on April 30th, aligning with International Jazz Day, making it even more meaningful and globally connected.
 
One Note will present a special repertoire paying tribute to jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and African icons like Hugh Masekela and Manu Dibango.
 
The night’s selections will emphasize themes of unity, peace, and cultural exchange, featuring songs like What a Wonderful World and Got the Whole World.
 
In true International Jazz Day spirit, the event will also include messages from UNESCO and The Herbie Hancock Institute, spotlighting jazz’s role in promoting dialogue and understanding.
 
Additionally, the performance will showcase a diverse blend of jazz styles, from swing and bebop to African jazz, Latin jazz, and funk-infused jazz, highlighting both seasoned artists and emerging young talent.
 
What One Note Aims to Achieve

Through the Jazz Bliss Night, One Note, in partnership with Sheraton Kampala, aims to revive and grow Uganda’s jazz culture by encouraging more regular performances and nurturing deeper appreciation for the genre.

The band also seeks to raise public awareness about jazz’s richness and relevance, showing that it is not just historical music, but a living, emotional, and creative form of expression.

By celebrating International Jazz Day, One Note hopes to inspire young Ugandan musicians to explore and innovate within jazz, blending it with indigenous styles like kadongo kamu and Afrobeat.

Ultimately, the band’s broader vision is to position Uganda more prominently on the global jazz map and establish a new tradition — creating an annual highlight that jazz enthusiasts and cultural tourists
alike can look forward to every year.
 
Who Makes Up One Note?
a) Kezia Kimbugwe, lead vocalist
b) Ken Musoke, male vocalist
c) Marvin Birungi, trumpet
d) Moses Waiswa, drums
e) Omony Gilberto, bass guitar
f) Don Kisu Bihizi, keyboard
g) Dan Kabunga, lead guitar
h) Jonathan Musisi, sound technician