How jazz maestro walked into hearts of Kenyans

Photo/ANTHONY NJAGI/NATION

Jazz saxophonist Sadao Watanabe and Bomas of Kenya general manager Qureshi Ahamed during an interview on January 17, 2012.

He may be Japanese but his knowledge of local tunes left Kenyan jazz music lovers gasping for more.

At 89, Japanese jazz superstar Sadao Watanabe is one of the most popular musicians.

His saxophone is famous for its riveting tunes, and he has played in many concerts worldwide.

His knowledge of Kenyan tunes was evident during a concert at the Bomas of Kenya on Tuesday.

He brought the house down with popular Kenyan tunes Hakuna Matata and Kenya Nchi Yetu.

So far, he has recorded more than 70 albums and he is not about to stop. “Music never stops, and I do not intend to stop playing any time soon,’’ says Watanabe.

Social networks

Although the event organisers publicised mainly relied on social networks and word of mouth to publicise the concert, the attendance was huge.

While many entertainment spots, theatre houses and cultural centres have recorded low turnout since December, organizers said the event was a big success.

The low turnout is attributed to police alerts that terror groups might be targeting entertainment spots and other public gatherings.

Police and private security guards were on sight to ensure security of fans. Those who underwent security checks at the Bomas of Kenya had no complaints as they went in to take their seats in the amphitheatre.

The event was graced by Japanese ambassador Toshihisa Takata and JICA chief representative in Kenya Masaaki Kato.

Music lovers were treated to the best of oriental jazz, topped up by a dose of Kenyan folk music.

“He adapts very well and is one of the biggest artistes we have hosted,’’ said Bomas of Kenya general manager Ahmed Quresh.

But Watanabe is no stranger to Africa. He first visited the continent as a TV reporter in 1972, and he fell in love with it.

Photo albums

He was fascinated with the dynamism and great nature of Africa and he has published several photo albums on the continent.

Watanabe has received the Order of the rising sun, one Japan’s most prestigious public awards for his contribution to the arts.

For Japanese expatriates, who formed the bulk of the audience, it was a welcome taste of home.

For local jazz lovers, it was a new experience of oriental jazz. And for Bomas performers , it was a successful collaboration after some rehearsals at the premises.

Watanabe, whose age was evident in his movement, was still vibrant with his saxophone. He performed a few of his best-selling songs, including numbers from his latest album, Come Today.

The Japanese maestro has a music career spanning 60 years. The Bomas team performed various traditional dances.

There was Sengenya (Digo folk song), Nyatiti of the Luo, Mwinjiro of the Embu and Mwomboko of the Kikuyu.

They also performed Orutu and Isukuti dances as well as an acrobatic show.

‘’We employ dancers who are flexible and who can adopt and adjust,’’ says Mr Bwire Ojiambo, the Bomas of Kenya production manager of the dancers’ versatility.

Bomas of Kenya dancers and Watanabe performed a joint ‘jam session’ at the end of the show.