This year’s International Jazz Day concert on Sunday, April 30 at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill at North Ridge in Accra will feature Kenyan guitarist, Jack Muguna, as the special guest.

Described as a string man who fluently “oscillates between the world of improvisation and composition”, Muguna released his debut album titled Journey of the Soul in 2021. It was nominated for the Best Jazz Album in Kenya in 2022.

Muguna has performed in places such as South Africa, Denmark, United Kingdom, Uganda, Tanzania and the Reunion Islands. He has also played on albums by some of Kenya’s best-known acts including Eunice Njeri and Evelyne Wanjiru.

Guitarist Jack Muguna from Kenya

Ghanaian pianist, Victor Dey Jnr, has known Muguna since 2019 and actually recommended him to the +233 management for the upcoming International Jazz Day concert. The two have worked together on several occasions in Kenya.

“He may not be as widely known as he should be but I rate Muguna as one of Africa’s best guitarists at the moment. He definitely deserves wider recognition,” Dey said of the Kenyan player.

Also on the 9pm bill for the April 30 concert is the formidable GHJazz Collective. The outfit comprises Bernard Ayisa (Saxophone), Victor Dey (Piano), Frank Kissi (Drums) and Gaddiel Amoah (Bass). It incorporates other players whenever necessary.

The GHJazz Collective

The International Jazz Day was declared by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2011 as a medium to promote peace and dialogue among people of the world. The +233 Jazz Bar & Grill has held a concert to mark the day since 2012.

Players from elsewhere that have participated in International Jazz Day events at +233 over the years include singer Pilani Bubu (South Africa), saxophonist Godwin Louis  and guitarist Colter Harper (United States), trumpeter Nicholas Genest (France) and bassist Manu Falla (Benin).