Thousands of Performances and Events Presented in More Than 190 Countries, All Continents.
TANGIER, Morocco, May 1, 2024 — The 13th annual International Jazz Day culminated in a momentous All-Star Global Concert from the new Palace of Arts and Culture of Tangier. This grand event, hosted by the internationally acclaimed actor Jeremy Irons, was a testament to the global unity and cultural diversity that jazz music represents. It featured a stellar lineup of world-renowned artists, including master Gnawa musician Abdellah El Gourd (Morocco) and jazz icon Herbie Hancock, along with Claudia Acuña (Chile), Ambrose Akinmusire (USA), John Beasley (USA), Lakecia Benjamin (USA), Richard Bona (Cameroon), Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA), Moreira Chonguiça (Mozambique), Shemekia Copeland (USA), Kurt Elling (USA), Antonio Faraò (Italy), Melody Gardot (USA), Jazzmeia Horn (USA), JK Kim (Republic of Korea), Femi Kuti (Nigeria), Magnus Lindgren (Sweden), Romero Lubambo (Brazil), Marcus Miller (USA), Yasushi Nakamura (Japan), Tarek Yamani (Lebanon) and many others.
The All-Star Global Concert opened with an exceptional “Welcome to Country” performance by renowned Dar Gnawa musicians, followed by Dee Dee Bridgewater’s spectacular performance of Chick Corea’s “Spain,” highlighting the cultural connections between Morocco and Spain. Jazzmeia Horn enlisted the talents of Ambrose Akinmusire and Billy Childs in the swinging “Free Your Mind.” Richard Bona gave a tender performance of his song “Esoka Bulu (Night Whisper).” TK Blue and Gnawa icon Abdellah El Gourd paid homage to Morocco’s Gnawa music and American Jazz, performing Randy Weston’s composition, “Blue Moses.” Melody Gardot and Philippe Powell delivered a sublime rendition of “This Foolish Heart Could Love You.” Femi Kuti declared there is “One People, One World” in his electrifying Afro-Beat performance. Kurt Elling paid tribute to Wayne Shorter by performing Shorter’s composition, “Speak No Evil.” Shemekia Copeland and Joe Louis Walker brought the blues front and center with “Nobody But You.”
The success of the International Jazz Day 2024 celebration was a testament to the global community’s love and support for Jazz. It included thousands of performances, master classes, jam sessions, education programs, and community service and outreach initiatives in more than 190 countries. The culmination of this celebration was the Global Concert, made available free of charge at jazzday.com, allowing the audience to be an integral part of this global celebration of Jazz.
Every year on April 30, International Jazz Day is a robust platform that unites countries and communities worldwide. It goes beyond music, promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human dignity. The UNESCO Member Nations adopted this significant day on the initiative of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, who co-chairs the annual celebration with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. The event’s impact in fostering understanding and harmony among diverse cultures is genuinely inspiring.
Azoulay said, “Jazz, as legendary American singer Nina Simone eloquently put it, is more than just music. It transcends musical notes; it is a way of life…a way of being, a way of thinking.’”
Hancock added, “As we celebrate Jazz Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to jazz’s enduring legacy and its ability to uplift, inspire, and unite us all.”
Source: International Jazz Day 2024
CitiTimes 