Nairobi, Kenya, 7TH November 2016… Admired Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca and special guest star Fatoumata Diawara performed to a full house at the Uhuru Gardens last Saturday.
The musician, who made his debut at the Havana International Jazz Festival at age 15 in 1990, is an ingenious composer who draws on a wide range of musical traditions and genres.
Fonseca has released projects such as “Zamazu”, “Akokan” and “Jazz in Marciac” since his debut. In 2015, Fonseca and Diawara released “At Home” album which was well-received by music critics.
Accompanying Fonseca on stage were his band members Ramses “Dynamite” Rodriguez on drums, Yandy Martinez on bass and Adel Gozalez on percussion.
Kenyan band, Shamsi Music – who enthralled the crowd with a one hour set – were the opening act at the concert.
Fonseca and Diawara concluded their Kenyan tour on Sunday afternoon by visiting the Ghetto Classics music program in Korogocho.
Proceeds from all ticket sales will be donated to the program which has been supported by ticket earnings since inception of the Safaricom International Jazz Festival in 2014.
The Telco has so far handed over Sh. 19 million to the program. The funds went towards purchase of music instruments for 650 children who are in the community program.
The premier Safaricom International Festival event was held in February 2014 and was headlined by New-York based Cameroonian artist Richard Bona.
