East Africa’s celebrated Afro-jazz saxophone maestro Isaiah Katumwa is set to headline the upcoming third edition of the Kigali Jazz Junction.

The event, scheduled for October 28 at Kigali Serena Hotel, will also serve as a send-off for former Neptunez saxophone lead performer, Herbert Rock as he continues to pursue a solo career.

Remy Lubega, the director of the Neptunez Band, which is organising the event, while speaking to The New Times, promised concertgoers and jazz fans in particular great performances from the two seasoned saxophonists.

"The night will be a great one as these two men are great at what they do and we expect a polish of an audience. One that will appreciate this great showcase that is more mature and classic music oriented.

"It will be a different ball game and I have no doubt that we will make the best out of it. We are aiming at making our patrons that support this event more comfortable as we showcase something different,” he said.

Katumwa is Uganda’s jazz pioneer, whose innovation has inspired and sensitised many people about jazz.

He has released many inspiring albums ever since he went solo and they include; Will Worship You, Saxo Hymns, We three kings, Sax Worship, Celebrate Africa, Sinza, Coming Home and Another Step, among many others.

"Katumwa is the reason we have great young Saxo players in the region after greatly influencing a number of them into mainstream performance artistry rather than being back up instrumentalists.

"People like Herbert Rock have pulled up their socks to follow the path he has set for over 15 years now,” Lubega noted.

The self-taught saxophonist has converted many into jazz enthusiasts, and has also shared stage with global icons like Jonathan Btler, Hugh Masekela, Jimmy Dludlu, Seweto Kinchyamong, and has performed in Europe-London UK, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, and in a couple of West and East African Countries. He has also performed for heads of states frequently and so far more than 20 presidents.

Other artistes expected to perform at the concert include former Neptunez’s member Masha, Sheba Steve Keys and Moroots who will perform alongside the Neptunez band.

The tickets have been classified with VIP platinum, Gold, Silver and ordinary tickets.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw