Yesterday, Nairobi celebrated its second jazz international festival courtesy of Safaricom. The people turned up in large masses but for most, it was really for the social buzz of it, not for the love of jazz. For this reason, I have decided to share my love and passion for this genre of music and hopefully, demonstrate that this is not a lullaby type of music but a beautiful culture, a fusion of instruments that give a perfect tune. Especially, jazz rap.

For well over a century now, jazz has been the chameleon of American music. It has incorporated elements from classical, Latin, world, funk and R&B. The very meaning of the word ‘jazz’ suggests that in order for it to be such, the music must swing, among other criteria. In some regards this could be true, but I would like to argue that jazz represents just a portion of the broader landscape of African-American music.

The use of categories and names of styles is unavoidable, but I feel that at times the process of labeling music restricts us as musicians, writers and listeners from recognizing the connections between sub-genres of music. I believe jazz means has a deeper meaning…

One act I would gladly give a standing ovation is Soweto Kinch. This young lad has blended jazz and hip-hop so well, it looks like they were made for each other. His free-style on the mic is so easy to the ears. Research further proves the connection between the two. Culturally, socially, and musically the two share more in common than some would acknowledge.

From the 1960s up to today, jazz and hip-hop continue to borrow and experiment with each other. They both contain elements of improvisation; in hip-hop, free styling and DJing represent this, while in jazz much of the exchange between musicians is improvised. So a big- up to Soweto Kinch for daring to venture where very few would, jazz rap.

In the late 80s, this beautiful subgenre was exploding with a message as diverse as the people on earth. Positivity and African-American improvement being some of the themes. It was a way of integrating the old with the new, as per Guru. 1

I believe the subgenre by itself gives us something to look forward to. It allows us to link what appears obsolete to what is mainstream. By doing so we move with the times and improve of the quality of the music.

So this means we can look for innovation in the past. Yes, even the analogue (I’m laughing harder than I should).

One thing was obvious from this jazz festival. Jazz is a strong way of expression of emotion. It especially conveys love so well. So if you are looking for romance, jazz is the way to go. It also brings people together so well with messages of peace, that we are all really just one people, for example Jonathan Butler mostly sings of unity past racial segregation.

Much love,

Steja.

Footnotes:

1. Williams J.A., 2010. The Journal of Musicology. Vol. 27. No. 4. 435 – 459.