The 13th edition of International Jazz Day concluded with a historic worldwide concert held at the new Palace of Art and Culture in Tangier. The event, hosted by internationally acclaimed actor Jeremy Irons, featured performances by renowned artists from various countries, including jazz legend Herbie Hancock, gnawa music maestro Abdellah El Gourda, Claudia Acuña, Ambrose Akinmusire, John Beasley, Lakecia Benjamin, Richard Bona, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Moreira Chonguiça, Shemekia Copeland, Kurt Elling, Antonio Faraò, Melody Gardot, Jazzmeia Horn, JK Kim, Femi Kuti, Magnus Lindgren, Romero Lubambo, Marcus Miller, Yasushi Nakamura, Tarek Yamani, and many others.
The All-Star Global Concert began with a special performance titled “Welcome to Country” by musicians from Dar Gnawa, followed by a magnificent rendition of Chick Corea’s “Spain” by Dee Dee Bridgewater, highlighting the cultural connections between Morocco and Spain. Jazzmeia Horn showcased her talent with a swinging performance of “Free Your Mind,” accompanied by Ambrose Akinmusire and Billy Childs. Richard Bona delivered an emotional rendition of his song “Esoka Bulu (Night Whisper).” TK Blue and gnawa music icon Abdellah El Gourd paid tribute to Moroccan gnawa and American jazz with their performance of Randy Weston’s “Blue Moses.” Melody Gardot and Philippe Powell mesmerized the audience with their outstanding performance of “This Foolish Heart Could Love You.” Femi Kuti electrified the crowd with his Afrobeat performance of “One People, One World,” reminding everyone that there is only “one nation, one world.” Kurt Elling paid tribute to Wayne Shorter with a performance of his composition “Speak No Evil.” Shemekia Copeland and Joe Louis Walker dominated the evening with their blues performance of “Nobody But You.”
The celebrations of International Jazz Day 2024 brought thousands of performances, workshops, jam sessions, educational programs, community projects, and awareness initiatives in over 190 countries. The festivities culminated in the Global Concert, which can be viewed for free on jazzday.com.
The main support for International Jazz Day 2024 was provided by the Doris Duke Foundation, with additional generous support from GRoW @ Annenberg. Global partner United Airlines ensured the transportation and support for artists and educators.
International Jazz Day, celebrated annually on April 30th, brings together countries and communities from around the world, promoting peace, cultural dialogue, diversity, and respect for human dignity. The day was proclaimed by UNESCO member states, initiated by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, who chairs the celebrations each year alongside UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
As Azoulay stated, “As the legendary American singer Nina Simone aptly said, jazz is more than just music. It goes beyond notes; it is a ‘way of life… a way of being, a way of thinking.'”
Hancock added, “Let us, during the Jazz Day celebrations, recommit ourselves to the enduring legacy of jazz and its ability to uplift, inspire, and unite us all.”
For more information about International Jazz Day, visit www.jazzday.com or www.unesco.org/jazzday.
International Jazz Day is a celebration of global music that brings together countries and communities from around the world. The event concludes with a historic worldwide concert featuring performances by renowned artists. The 13th edition, held in Tangier, Morocco, featured performances by jazz legend Herbie Hancock, gnawa music maestro Abdellah El Gourda, and many others source.
Current market trends in the jazz industry show a continued growth in popularity and diversity. Jazz festivals and events are gaining traction worldwide, attracting both traditional jazz enthusiasts and a younger audience. The fusion of jazz with other genres such as hip-hop, rock, and electronic music has also contributed to its increasing appeal.
Forecasts for the future of jazz indicate a continued expansion of the global jazz market. With the accessibility of streaming services and online platforms, jazz music is becoming more accessible to listeners worldwide. As jazz continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary tastes, it is expected to garner even more interest and reach new audiences.
However, there are challenges and controversies associated with jazz as well. One major challenge is the need to preserve the authenticity and roots of jazz while embracing innovation and new interpretations. There is an ongoing debate about what defines jazz and whether certain styles or sub-genres can still be considered as part of the jazz tradition.
Another challenge is the financial viability of jazz events and festivals. Organizing and promoting large-scale jazz concerts can be expensive, and it can be difficult to attract sponsorships and funding. This puts pressure on event organizers and artists to find sustainable ways to support and promote jazz music.
Advantages of International Jazz Day include its promotion of peace, cultural dialogue, diversity, and respect for human dignity. By bringing together artists from all over the world, it fosters collaboration and understanding among different cultures. International Jazz Day also provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent on a global stage.
Disadvantages of International Jazz Day include the limited accessibility of attending the live event for individuals who cannot travel to the host country. This can create disparities in the opportunities for artists and audiences from different regions to participate in the celebration. Additionally, the commercialization of jazz can sometimes overshadow the artistry and creativity of the music, leading to a focus on marketability rather than artistic integrity.
For more information about International Jazz Day, visit www.jazzday.com or www.unesco.org/jazzday.