Rare events in Nepal bring together musicians from all over the world, and the Kathmandu Jazz Festival, known as “Jazzmandu,” is one of them. Created in 2002 by Chhedup Bomzan of Jazz Upstairs Bar and Navin Chettri, drummer and vocalist of 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 Kathmandu audiences, spreading a message of peace, compassion and unity. This year’s festival began with the “Jazz for the New Generation” concert on October 24, aimed at young students and organized at the Saint-Xavier School in Jawalakhel.

The same day, “Groovin’ at Upstairs” performed at Jazz Upstairs in Lazimpat, with Cadenza Collective, the Nepalese jazz group. Cadenza started 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, Jazzmandu 2024 artists performed individual sets at various venues across Kathmandu Valley, including Jazz Upstairs, Electric Pagoda in Thamel, Hard Rock Cafe Kathmandu in Durbarmarg, Eden in Jhamsikhel and La Terrasse in Baluwatar.

As Eden was close to my house, I attended an Andalusian flamenco jazz show scheduled there. I learned that flamenco jazz is a vibrant blend of passionate Andalusian traditions and the free spirit of jazz, resulting in a moving and exhilarating performance.

The stage was warmly lit, casting golden hues on the musicians and dancers. The dancers’ expressions, intricate footwork and powerful arm movements brought the music to life.

On October 26, Jazz Bazaar transformed 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 flavors. Guests swayed to the music, losing themselves in the moment.

One of my favorite performances of the day was the band Sheroes, an all-female group led by pianist, composer and arranger Monika Herzig. After their performance, Herzig said: “I started this band ten years ago and we are proud of how far we have come. I couldn’t be more grateful to Jazzmandu for organizing this and allowing us to perform.

On October 28, Nanglo Lawn in Jhamsikhel was filled with the sounds of flamenco jazz and afro-beat. The evening began with the Spanish Antonio Lizana Quintet, whose music transported listeners from the roots of flamenco to contemporary jazz.

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

The 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 and learn from guest artists. One of the participants said: “It was a great opportunity for me to learn from talented international artists. It was an opportunity that I would never have had without Jazzmandu.

The same day, in the evening, Jazz at Patan took place. 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 final. The energy increased further as the finale continued into the evening. The space was filled with cheers, laughter and dancing. It was a beautiful farewell to Jazzmandu 2024.