Jazzmandu 2024: Celebrating 20 Years of Jazz Fusion and Cultural Harmony in Kathmandu

The 20th edition of Jazzmandu, also known as the Kathmandu Jazz Festival, is set to light up Kathmandu with an electrifying week of jazz, world music, and cultural fusion from October 24 to October 30, 2024. Celebrating two decades of rich musical exchange, this year’s festival is marked by a star-studded lineup featuring international jazz icons and Nepalese musical talent. Jazzmandu has firmly established itself as one of the premier jazz festivals in South Asia, drawing artists and audiences from around the world for a week of performances, workshops, and musical fusion.

Jazzmandu’s Star-Studded Lineup: A Global Musical Melting Pot

For its milestone 20th edition, Jazzmandu has curated an impressive roster of international and local artists, making it a true melting pot of global musical influences. This year’s festival will see performances from:

• Erik Truffaz, the renowned jazz trumpeter from Switzerland known for blending jazz with electronic and world music influences.
• The all-female band Sheroes from the USA, celebrated for their virtuosity and dedication to gender representation in jazz.
• Alma Naidu from Germany, a jazz vocalist whose music is infused with elements of classical and modern jazz.
• Antonio Lizana Quintet feat Al Mawi from Spain, bringing the sounds of Flamenco jazz.
• Afro Dizzi Act from Australia, offering a dynamic fusion of Afro-beat rhythms and jazz.

Additionally, Nepal’s very own talents, including Cadenza Collective, Dhrupad Gurukul Kathmandu, Samundra Band, and the Gandharva ensemble, will share the stage with international artists, showcasing Nepal’s musical diversity and deep-rooted connection to jazz and world music. This year, eastern classical musicians will also perform, blending traditional sounds with jazz to create a unique auditory experience.

Venues and Highlights of Jazzmandu 2024

Jazzmandu 2024 promises a week packed with performances at various venues across Kathmandu, each chosen to create a unique atmosphere that complements the music.

Jazz for the Next Generation at St. Xavier’s School, Jawalakhel – October 24

The festival kicks off with ‘Jazz for the Next Generation’ at St. Xavier’s School, Jawalakhel on October 24. This event is dedicated to introducing jazz to young audiences and creating a platform for emerging musicians. Through interactive performances, Jazzmandu aims to inspire the next generation of musicians and foster an appreciation for jazz music within the youth community.

Jazz Bazaar at Gokarna Forest Resort – October 26

One of the most anticipated events of Jazzmandu, the ‘Jazz Bazaar’, will take place on October 26 at the Gokarna Forest Resort. Known for its lively ambiance and beautiful setting under the open sky, the Jazz Bazaar provides a platform for both international and local artists to perform in a relaxed, open-air environment. With a vibrant marketplace atmosphere, attendees can enjoy food, crafts, and music, making it an unmissable highlight of the festival.

Sounds of Flamenco Jazz and Afro-Beat at Lawn by Nanglo, Jhamsikhel – October 28

On October 28, Lawn by Nanglo, Jhamsikhel will host ‘Sounds of Flamenco Jazz and Afro-Beat’, a unique evening celebrating the rhythmic diversity of jazz. This event is dedicated to Flamenco and Afro-beat genres, providing audiences with a fusion of Spanish and African sounds blended with jazz elements. It promises a thrilling exploration of rhythm, harmony, and cultural storytelling through music.

Grand Finale at Malla Hotel, Lekhnath Marg, Lainchaur – October 30

The festival will culminate in a grand finale at the Malla Hotel on October 30, located in Lekhnath Marg, Lainchaur. The closing night will bring together all participating artists for a memorable celebration of musical collaboration and innovation. The finale embodies the essence of Jazzmandu, with musicians from different backgrounds coming together on stage, creating a symphony of cultures and musical styles that resonate with Jazzmandu’s legacy of cross-cultural unity.

Workshops and Free Events: Promoting Inclusivity and Musical Education

Jazzmandu 2024 has made efforts to promote inclusivity by offering workshops and free events for students and local musicians. These workshops, conducted by both international and Nepalese artists, provide attendees with valuable insights into jazz techniques, improvisation, and musical collaboration. For those who may not have the means to attend ticketed events, Jazzmandu’s free events make jazz accessible to a broader audience, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to community outreach and musical education.

Jazzmandu’s Legacy: 20 Years of Musical Fusion and Cultural Exchange

Founded in 2002 by Chhedup Bomzan of The Jazz Upstairs Bar and Navin Chettri, the drummer and vocalist of Cadenza Collective, Jazzmandu has grown from a small, local event to an internationally recognized festival. For two decades, it has brought together musicians, fans, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate jazz, world music, and Nepalese culture. Jazzmandu’s mission goes beyond mere entertainment; it fosters cultural exchange, supports local talent, and introduces international audiences to Nepal’s rich musical landscape.

By bringing in diverse artists from various genres, Jazzmandu exemplifies musical fusion and innovation. It provides a platform for traditional Nepalese music to be showcased alongside jazz and world music, creating a cross-cultural dialogue that bridges artistic boundaries and resonates with audiences from all backgrounds.