Kirk Whalum in Kampala to headline dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival
Kampala is in for a velvety-smooth musical weekend as legendary American saxophonist Kirk Whalum touches down this Thursday ahead of the dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival.
If you have ever swayed to Whitney Houstons “I Will Always Love You,” then you have heard Whalums soulful sax breathe life into a global anthem. Now, he’s ready to enchant Ugandan audiences once again.
At 66 years young, Whalum isnt slowing down. The Grammy-winning jazzman who has collaborated with the likes of Quincy Jones, Jonathan Butler, and Chante Moore is bringing his signature sound and a full band to the Kampala Serena Hotel this Saturday, May 10.
And he’s just as hyped as we are.
“It is my third time performing in Uganda, but my excitement is fever pitch. I can’t wait to serenade my fans. Each performance feels brand new to me. Hope to see my fans in large numbers,” Whalum shared with his signature charm.
This isnt just any concert its a full-blown cultural celebration. Sharing the spotlight will be Ugandas very own jazz powerhouses: Isaiah Katumwa, Tshaka Mayanja, and the ever-vibrant Black Roots Academy of Soul. Expect a night of musical storytelling that blends global groove with homegrown soul.
Behind the scenes, dfcu Bank is doing more than just setting the stage. Through the dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival, the bank is championing a deeper cause nurturing Ugandas arts scene and celebrating community connection through music.
Music has an extraordinary ability to transcend boundaries and connect people, says Helena Mayanja, Head – Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at dfcu Bank. For six decades, dfcu has been driven by a vision of building a community of progress. This festival allows us to celebrate that journey with the Ugandan people.
Indeed, the festival is a perfect harmony of purpose and entertainment, a nod to dfcus 60-year legacy of empowering Ugandans, from business to the arts.
Dont Miss Out!
Grab your crew, polish those dancing shoes, and get your tickets while they’re hot. Early bird general admission goes for UGX 250,000, while a table for 8 is priced at UGX 6,000,000. Tickets are available at selected dfcu branches and online at www.quicket.co.ug
Whether youre a lifelong jazz lover or a curious newcomer, this is your chance to witness world-class music under the Kampala night sky. The dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival promises an unforgettable evening of rhythm, culture, and connection.
dfcu was established in 1964 as a development finance institution. Over the years dfcu has been associated with many success stories in Ugandas economy in various sectors including agribusiness, communication, education, health, manufacturing, tourism, real estate, mining, construction, transport, trade and commerce, among others.
Key Milestones
1964: dfcu Limited established by the Government of Uganda and the CDC
1999: Bought Uganda Leasing Company, renamed it dfcu Leasing.
2000: Bought Global Trust Bank, renamed it dfcu Bank, and started commercial banking.
2004: dfcu Limited was listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange.
2008: Merged its two businesses (Development Finance and dfcu Bank) to create a one-stop shop under dfcu Bank.
2007: Launched dfcu Women In Business
2013: Realignment of shareholders bringing on board a strategic partner Rabobank, with significant experience in
agribusiness
2014: Consolidated business operations into our Head Office – dfcu Towers.
2014: dfcu Bank acquired some assets and took over some liabilities of Global Trust Bank (In Liquidation)
2015: Launched the Women In Business Advisory Centre
2016: Aligned shareholding with Rabobank, Norfund and FMO combining to form Arise which is committed to strengthening and developing effective, inclusive financial systems in Africa with a long-term perspective.
