Uganda’s jazz maestro Isaiah Katumwa on Sunday night celebrated three decades of musical brilliance with a soul-stirring performance at the Kampala Serena Hotel a night that blended legacy, mentorship, and gratitude in equal measure.
He’s music has never just been about performance it’s been a divine calling. And on Sunday night, that calling was celebrated in full glory as Uganda’s most revered jazz icon marked 30 years in the industry with a concert that was as emotional as it was historic.
The Serena Hotel ballroom was filled to capacity. Among the audience were politicians, industry leaders, fellow musicians, and adoring fans, all united by their admiration for a man who has not only elevated Uganda’s jazz scene to international standards but also inspired a generation of artists.
The event was supported by some of Uganda’s most iconic brands recognition of Katumwa’s role in shaping the country’s musical landscape. But the night wasn’t just about Isaiah alone; it was also about the many lives he’s impacted. Sharing the stage with younger musicians he’s mentored Michael Kitanda, Mark Langa, and Joseph Sax Isaiah delivered a message of continuity, excellence, and passion.
In a deeply personal moment, he held up his first saxophone a treasured gift from his uncle and recalled his first professional gig, offered by Uganda Breweries Limited Board Chairman Jimmy Mugerwa, who was in the audience. That act of belief, Isaiah said, set his journey in motion.
Opening with his 2007 hit Welcome, followed by Dance Again, Isaiah moved through a powerful setlist that celebrated both his past and present. Duets with Michael Kitanda on Smile On and Jonathan Kyobe on What Is Love showcased the depth of his musical connections. A fiery collaboration with Joseph Sax and Michael Ouma lit up the room.
“My first concert was right here at Serena in December 2007. Thank you for walking this journey with me,” Isaiah said emotionally, acknowledging his uncle and Mr. Mugerwa for the critical roles they played in his early career.
He paid tribute to producer Samuel Bisaso, who helped craft Welcome “from the comfort of his bed,” and co-writer Victor Oringtho, whose pen birthed Joy, a fan favorite.
The second half of the show took a more spiritual direction, reflecting Isaiah’s deep faith and introspective artistry. He recounted a moment in London while working on his Sinza album, where a spontaneous 12-minute BBC radio slot turned into a four-hour jam session an affirmation of the power of his sound and the universal language of jazz.
Sunday night wasn’t just a concert it was a celebration of purpose, legacy, and faith in the transformative power of music.
