The +233 Jazz Bar and Grill in Accra, Ghana, was abuzz with excitement as the renowned Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performed live in Ghana.
The sold-out show put together by the Ghana Jazz Foundation drew in jazz enthusiasts from across the country, proving that Ghanaians have a deep appreciation for the genre.
The orchestra’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, with Uncle Ken Addy, a legendary Ghanaian radio personality, describing them as “genius.”
Addy, who has been promoting jazz music in Ghana for over two decades, expressed his delight at the group’s performance, saying it met his expectations.
“It’s been an exceptional night for me, what they are doing now is nothing short of what I was expecting them to do because they are an accomplished outfit” he told Kobby Kyei News reporter, Asare-Bediako Addo.
The Ghana Jazz Collective also took to the stage, showcasing the country’s rich musical talent.
Their performance was well-received by the audience, who were impressed by their skills.
Ghanaian musician and leader of the Sekondi Band was thrilled to see Wynton Marsalis sharing his expertise with Ghanaians. He believes there is a market for jazz music in Ghana and encourages young musicians to explore the genre.
The event was a testament to the power of music to bring people together and celebrate cultural exchange. Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s performance will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Ghanaian music scene.
The JLCO’s visit to Ghana is part of their historic African tour, which marks the first time the orchestra has performed on the continent.
The tour kicked off on September 26 and will run until October 11, covering four countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana.
About Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis is an American trumpeter, composer, and music instructor, who is currently the artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center.
He has been active in promoting classical and jazz music, often to young audiences. Marsalis has won nine Grammy Awards, and his oratorio Blood on the Fields was the first jazz composition to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music.
Marsalis is the only musician to have won a Grammy Award in both jazz and classical categories in the same year.
About Jazz At Lincoln Center
Jazz at Lincoln Center is an organization based in New York City. Part of Lincoln Center, the organization was founded in 1987 and opened at Time Warner Center (now Deutsche Bank Center) in October 2004.
The organization seeks to “represent the totality of jazz music – educationally, curatorially, archivally, and ceremonially.” They advocate for jazz, culture, and arts education globally.
