Kirk Whalum set for third return to Kampala

KAMPALA - The much-celebrated saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, will return to Kampala for yet another concert for the third time in May.

This was revealed at a press conference yesterday (Tuesday) held at Kampala Serena Hotel.

Whalum, a 12-time Grammy nominee but with only one win, will be performing at the inaugural dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival on May 10, 2025 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

The jazz star will perform alongside other local notables. Isaiah Katumwa will return to Kampala for yet another showcase, since his US sojourn. Notably, Kirk Whalum performed with Katumwa at Serena Hotel in 2019. 

Tshaka Mayanja and his Black Roots Academy of Soul will also perform at the festival.

Speaking at the press conference, The Head Corporate Communications and Sustainability at the bank, Hellena Mayanja said, “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.”

Whalum first performed in Uganda in 2015, and returned to the country four years later to another large-applause jazz concert.

Who is Kirk Whalum

Kirk Whalum is an American R&B and smooth jazz saxophonist and songwriter. Whalum has recorded a series of commercially and critically acclaimed solo studio albums. 

Tshaka Mayanja and his Black Roots Academy of Soul will also perform at the festival. (Credit: Janan Kisitu)

The 66-year-old is ready serenade the Kampala audience yet again. He has toured with the likes of Babyface and Luther Vandross.

After admitting to have had the first jazz show back in the mid-90s, Tshaka Mayanja expressed his generosity towards dfcu bank for having come up with this amazing idea of exploring jazz music.  

“We had our first jazz show back in 1993 and it was not really a hit. It was after that that people started following jazz music after Katumwa made with his saxophone,” said Mayanja.