Kenya’s leading instrumental music brand, Nairobi Horns Project (NHP) will host the ‘Jazz Is Back’ concert at Tamarind Tree Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, on 11th September.
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
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 program”.
The Nairobi Horns Project (NHP) brings together musicians bonded by the love for new music and committed to building a sound around horns in African and contemporary music.
According to NHP, their sound is influenced by their love for Jazz, African rhythms, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Electronic music.
What was conceived as a three-member commercial for-hire horn section whose members have worked on music TV shows, concerts, recordings, and tours has since grown into a complete live act.
Beyond jazz, the band has garnered crossover followership and going on to perform on other stages.
It is worth noting that NHP is the only instrumental music band to play at the ‘Koroga Festival 2017’ alongside Eric Wainaina and D’Banj.
It can be recalled that in December 2016 Nairobi Horns Project released their first self-produced body of works, an EP titled ‘Kipepeo’ (Swahili for butterfly) entirely comprised of original works.
That notwithstanding, NHP also released their biggest piece of work; a double album in November 2018 which showcased jazz alongside pop.
In addition, NHP is still working on a music remake project, ‘Modern Kenyan Classics’, which is their own interpretation of contemporary Kenyan music.
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