Kenyan music fans are in for treat as one of Africa’s most celebrated musicians will be in town later this month as the headline artist for the first Safaricom Jazz Concert this year. Salif Keita will perform at the Bomas of Kenya on August 29th with James Gogo and the Gogo Simo Band backing him.
Salif Keita is an afro-pop singer and songwriter from Mali. He is known for blending elements of traditional African music with jazz, R&B, and other international music styles. His foray into music started in 1967 when he moved to Mali’s capital Bamako and started playing in nightclubs with his brother. He joined Rail Band two years later before he left to join Les Ambassadeurs du Motel (later Les Ambassadeurs Internationales) that was based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He moved to Europe in the early 80s where he recorded and released his highly successful debut album, Soro in 1987. He has since released over 15 more albums to much critical acclaim.
This is the second concert for Salif in Kenya having performed at the launch of his album La Difference in 2010 at the Carnivore Restaurant.
The Safaricom Jazz Concerts are part of The Safaricom Jazz series which culminate in the larger annual event which is dubbed the Safaricom International Jazz Festival. The first Jazz Concerts were held last year and featured Kunle Ayo (in September) and Jimmy Dludlu (in December).
More details
What: Safaricom Jazz Concert with Salf Keita
Where: Bomas of Kenya
When: 29th August 2015
Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, show starts at 7.30pm.
Tickets: Tickets are Ksh. 1,500 in advance and Ksh. 2000 at the gate. Student tickets are Ksh. 500 Dial 1511 to get advance tickets via M-ticketing. Advance tickets available at Michael Joseph Centre and the following Safaricom shops:
- Galleria
- I&M
- Village Market
- Nakumatt Mega
- Junction
- Garden City
- Sarit Centre
To get a taste of what to expect on August 29th here is Salif Keita performing at Afro-Pfingsten Festival in Winterthur, Switzerland.