It was visibly clear patrons thoroughly enjoyed the maiden edition of the Jazz In January Festival at the start of this year and that is why the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in collaboration with the Ghana Jazz Foundation, is bringing it on again from January 1 to January 5, 2025.

Like the first edition, the event has a lineup of exciting performers poised to spread some feel-good vibes for a cheery take-off into the New Year.

The all-female Lipstick Queens kick off proceedings on January 1 with their often danceable repertoire. The band has been around for a decade and is currently among the leading units in the country. They know how to please an audience and are a good choice to get things going on a roaring note.

American guitarist Bill Macpherson is the lone front man for Native Vibe after the demise of his musical partner, bassist Nee Sackey last May. He is a resourceful musician who competently holds out his own when necessary. He will be on stage on January 2 with keyboardist Carl Amoah and his enterprising West Coast Band.

The highly-rated Afro4 Band from Nigeria comes up on January 3. It comprises Bright Gain (bass), Wale Adeyemi (drums and vocals), Victor Ademofe (trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion and vocals) and Luyanda Madope  (piano, keyboards and vocals). They are bold players who delight with their skills.

Internationally-acclaimed Camerounian bassist, Etienne Mbappe has the stage on January 4. He has performed here at different times over the last two years and his wide experience would be on show again at the festival.  

 Also performing on January 4 are the GHJazz Collective featuring American musicians, saxophonist Godwin Louis and vibraphonist Simon Moulier. Louis is a Grammy Award-nominated who last played at +233 in April 2019. He is a thorough entertainer. Moulier has five albums under his name and has performed at some of the most respected jazz clubs and festivals around the world.

A Master Jam Session to see out the festival is scheduled for January 5. Last year’s festival was a big success and the 2025 edition is expected to be another thrilling affair. Gate opens at 7.00pm for all the performances.