International Jazz Day

RainMaker Ltd is proud to present three acclaimed acts on the 1st of May, 2015 to mark the auspicious occasion that is International Jazz Day. These are Eric Wainaina, The Aaron Rimbui Collective and Ricky na Marafiki respectively.

International Jazz Day, usually falls on the 30th of April, and is a culmination of the Jazz appreciation month April. The dedicated month brings avid Jazz fans from all walks of life. It is the culmination of the month long Jazz celebration.

Born Patrick Enos Lukhachi Nanjero, Ricky honed his skills as a bassist and arranger. He began his career in 2009, as part of a five-piece band called Ricky na Marafiki. Together, they released their debut offering ‘Tucheze’ in 2010. An instrumental album, the bass guitar however takes centre-stage.

The band’s music is a melodious blend of traditional African Rhythms with Jazz, soul, pop, rock and blues inspired improvisations. They interplay songs that segue effortlessly from a mix of modern and traditional sound, to give each song a unique feel. Their songs take the listener through a musical journey that showcases the rich East African musical heritage. Ricky served as the bandleader during the Eric Wainaina New York run of Mo Faya.

Aaron Kimathi Rimbui, popularly known as “Crucial Keys” started off his career in 2001. He opened for leading artistes including Hugh Masekela, Richard Bona and Gerald Albright. He has two albums to his name, “Keys of Life” and “Alfajiri” released in 2005 and 2009 respectively.
Aaron has been a leading force behind the Jazz Culture in Kenya, popularizing jazz music through his production, “All That Jazz”, which has had a long run as the leading Jazz event in Nairobi. Aaron has worked as a musical director and producer for other Jazz concerts including Safaricom International Jazz Festival, Jazz Under The Stars, Piano Voice, and Tusker Project Fame as the band director. He has also co-written and produced the music score for BBC’s Tinga Tinga tales currently running on the Disney Channel.

UN Goodwill ambassador Eric Wainaina needs no introduction. His music has been described as mélange of Benga and other popular genres that give it a distinct Kenyan flavour. His song “Daima Kenya” has been regarded erroneously as Kenya’s second anthem which belies its popularity. His other songs call to attention both virtues and vices in the society. His immense discography has been inspired myriad artistes to take up the mic and sing from a place of unadulterated truth. Eric has produced musicals, been a music director for a number of productions and is the person behind Live at The Elephant. This is a monthly musical platform where live music and artistic aptitude is celebrated.