Kenya: Nairobi Horns Project to play first show since COVID-19

The concert is the band’s first in-person event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. NHP will feature original members Mackinlay Mutsembi (trumpet/bandleader), Rabai Mokua (sax) and Victor Kinama (trombone). The three will be joined by Amani Baya (drums), Steve Mwanzia (keys), Jack Muguna (guitar), Moise Basinza (bass) and world-renowned percussionist Kasiva Mutua.

“We are thrilled to be back on the live stage after this long pandemic break,” Mutsembi told Music In Africa. “We will be sharing some great music we’ve been working on.”

NHP is known for its fusion style and is widely described as one of East Africa’s most important jazz outfits at the moment. The band has played at Roots International Jazz Festival, AfroLect Jazz Festival, Koroga Festival and Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, among others.

Before COVID-19, jazz in Kenya was seeing noticeable growth thanks to an increase in corporate sponsorships and a healthy number of jazz venues. For this growth to continue, Musembi says there is a need for more showcase platforms to nurture, train and showcase young talent across the country.

“The Safaricom Jazz festival brought jazz to the masses in Kenya, and it was the first platform that Nairobi Horns was introduced to a wide audience,” he said. “Although this event has not been held in a couple of years, it was a great platform to discover local and international jazz musicians.”

He added: “We will be heading to the polls in August next year and as politicians seek votes, it will be important to know their plans for the creative sector. Investment in the arts sector is key because artists are the strongest ambassadors for culture and a great avenue for youth employment.

“We need solid structures to support the growth of the industry, a well-defined and transparent royally collection system and a serious arts education programme.”

Tickets for NHP’s Jazz Is Back show are available via Mtickets.com or by dialling *229*24#.