When I started out in photography about nine years ago, concerts were I clicked the most. The opportunity to interact with great performers live and move freely yet discreetly at concerts kept me going back for more. Then career happened and with that, other projects, sending concerts to the backseat. This year, I want to WD40 the rust in my concert trigger finger and get back to my first love. So when I saw the Jonathan Butler billboards and heard the Mavuno Worship Team perform their rendition to ‘Falling in Love with Jesus’, I knew I had to attend the Safaricom Jazz Festival.

Traffic on the way to Ngong Racecourse was a bonding affair for motorists, while boda bodas whizzed by. Sitting in traffic, my pal Billy and I entertained ourselves picking out people who were catching their first boda boda ride. They were clenching to every inch of their rider for safety: helmet, waist, shoulders and even neck!

Thanks to the traffic (it took me one and a half hours from Impala Club to Ngong Racecourse) I got to the venue when Soweto Kinch was on stage. His mastery of the sax and ability to freestyle using words suggested to him by the audience left everyone applauding.

Seems the main photographer at the next Capture Kenya Challenge has already been picked.

Kavutha Asiyo looked amazing and was an excellent MC.

Kenya’s representatives at the festival were Swahili Jazz Band, led by Juma Tutu.

Tatu Abdalla performed alongside Swahili Jazz Band.

Jimmy Dludlu was the day’s special guest, and joined Swahili Jazz Band on stage.

In between performances, audience members made sure their followers on social media knew who they were hanging out with.

Isaiah Katumwa is one of my favourite saxophonists. His performance proved why.

This is what 11,000 jazz lovers look like.

Met this guy who had done a portrait of Jonathan Butler. Quite talented I must say.

The most striking thing about Jonathan Butler for me was his open confession of his love for Christ. He spoke about it several times during his performance and at one time even sang in tongues. I hope to one day have the same boldness.

He invited his daughter to sign by his side on Miriam Makeba’s Pata Pata. The men saw her, the ladies heard her.

Jimmy Dludlu returned, joining Jonathan Butler and Isaiah Katumwa on stage.

Thanks Safaricom for making it a great Jazz Festival. I’m already looking forward to next year’s. You can view more photos here.