Rare events in Nepal gather musicians from around the world, and the Kathmandu Jazz Festival, known as 'Jazzmandu,' is one of them. Started in 2002 by Chhedup Bomzan from The Jazz Upstairs Bar and Navin Chettri, a drummer and vocalist from Cadenza, Jazzmandu aims to bring jazz to Nepal and connect people through music.

Over the years, the festival has promoted jazz and introduced many musicians to audiences in Kathmandu, spreading a message of peace, compassion, and unity. This year's festival started with the 'Jazz for the Next Generation' concert on October 24, aimed at young students and held at St. Xavier’s School in Jawalakhel.

On the same day, ‘Groovin’ at Upstairs’ occurred at Jazz Upstairs in Lazimpat, featuring Cadenza Collective, Nepal's jazz band. Cadenza began in 1998 and was one of the first bands to explore jazz in the Kathmandu Valley, where most bands focused on rock and pop covers.

On October 25, artists from Jazzmandu 2024 performed individual sets at various venues throughout the Kathmandu Valley, including Jazz Upstairs, Electric Pagoda in Thamel, Hard Rock Cafe Kathmandu in Durbarmarg, Eden in Jhamsikhel, and La Terrasse in Baluwatar.

Since Eden was close to where I was staying, I attended a flamenco jazz performance from Andalusia that was scheduled there. I learned that flamenco jazz is a vibrant mix of passionate Andalusian traditions and the free spirit of jazz, resulting in a soulful and exhilarating show.

The stage was lit warmly, casting golden hues over the musicians and dancers. The dancers' expressions, intricate footwork, and powerful arm gestures brought the music to life.

On October 26, the Jazz Bazaar turned Gokarna Forest Resort into a musical haven under the stars. Guests gathered in the meadow, sitting on blankets and low cushions, while soft ambient lighting created a magical glow.

International and Nepali musicians, each with unique stories and styles, performed jazz infused with local flavours. Guests swayed to the music, losing themselves in the moment.

One of my favourite performances from this day was the Sheroes band, an all-female band spearheaded by pianist, composer, and arranger Monika Herzig. After their performance, Herzig said, “I put this group together ten years ago, and we are proud of how far we have come. I could not be more thankful to Jazzmandu for organising this and allowing us to perform.”

On October 28, the lawn by Nanglo in Jhamsikhel was filled with the sounds of Flamenco Jazz and Afro-Beat. The evening began with the Antonio Lizana Quintet from Spain, whose music took listeners from flamenco roots to contemporary jazz.

Then came Afro-Denza, a blend of Australian and Nepali musicians whose sound was vibrant and infectious, with percussive rhythms and smooth melodies.

Jazzmandu Workshops were held on October 29 at two different venues- Yalamaya Kendra, Patandhoka and The Music Room, Bhatbhateni. The workshops provided a valuable opportunity for music students and jazz enthusiasts to interact with and learn from visiting artists. One of the participants said, “This was a great opportunity for me to learn from international and talented artists. This was an opportunity I would have never experienced if it was not for Jazzmandu.”

On the same day, in the evening, Jazz at Patan unfolded. It was a fusion of Nepali classical music and jazz in the atmospheric setting of Dhokaima Cafe in Patan. Each performance felt like a story, both ancient and modern.

On Wednesday, October 30, The Malla Hotel hosted the Jazzmandu Finale. The energy grew even more as the finale stretched into the evening. The space was filled with cheers, laughter, and dancing. It was a beautiful farewell to Jazzmandu 2024.