KRIOL JAZZ FESTIVAL

THE CREOLE WORLD

The Kriol Jazz Festival is a fusion of music from different origins all on one stage. Discover a selection of the best artists from the creole world for a program based upon exchanging as much on a musical level as on a human level.

Organized by Harmonia Lda in partnership with the councils of Praia and Sal, the Festival's main objective is to promote the Creole-inspired music from all the islands, whether in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Cabo Verde, Europe or Africa, the cradle of Creole.

OUR FIRST EDITION?

Building upon the successful legacy of KJF-Praia, which has been promoting cultural vibrancy across continents through its exceptional programming since 2009, we have every confidence that Sal - KJF will maintain the same level of excellence.

In fact, in 2014, KJF - Praia was recognized by the prestigious magazine "Songlines" as one of the top 25 festivals in the world, solidifying its position as a prominent event in the cultural and tourist calendar of Praia.

With this in mind, we dare to assert that KJF is already an integral part of Praia's cultural fabric and is now poised to expand its influence on the island of Sal.

A NEW ANNUAL MEETING

Scheduled for July 7th and 8th, the festival will once again showcase a diverse and creole musical lineup, blending the rich flavors of traditional and jazz genres, all deeply rooted in the unmistakable African music heritage.

The programming for this edition stays true to the festival's tradition, as reflected in the selection of artists. Under the artistic direction of producer José da Silva, the Manuel António Martins Square will host significant moments in the history of musical events in Cabo Verde — the inaugural edition of the Sal - Kriol Jazz Festival.

The first editions of Kriol Jazz Festival Praia offered an international schedule including artists such as Lenine, Esperança Spalding, Seu Jorge, Richard Bona, Ralph Thamar & Mario Canonge, Ayo, Pat Thomas, Aziz Sahmaoui, Kenny Garrett, Ismaël Lô, Monty Alexander, Jacques Morelenbaum, Chico Cesar, Jowee Omicil, Manhattan Transfer, Charnett Moffet and Stanley Jordan, Flavia Coelho, Ballake Sissoko, Céu, Vincent Segal, Sia Tolno, Maria Gadú, Leyla McCalla, Manu Dibango, Paulo Flores, Tânia Maria, Cindy Blackman-Santana, Habib Koité, Ayo, Seu Jorge, Stanley Jordan, Lucky Peterson, Stanley Clarke, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roosevelt Collier, Luedji Luna, Orchestra Baobab and ASA among others (see below for the complete list).

It's a tradition, the festival opens on a free night offering the performances of new talents. The two other nights will be as usual, opened by a Cabo Verdean artist, followed by the shows of international artists.

Moreover, the Jam sessions having become an institution of the Festival, they will be part of the program again in 2024.

BACK IN 2008

In 2008, the capeverdean producer Djô da Silva was nurturing the idea of holding a jazz festival in Cabo Verde, a jazz festival that would express a certain creole-ness while accentuating African sonorities.

Cabo Verdeans felt this desire as well: new stages, new types of music, different artists and fresh experiences.

The producer's proposal managed to convince the Praia municipal government, thus beginning a promising partnership whose main mission would be to bring more music to Cabo Verde.

Joint plans and paths were outlined, and thus was born the first edition of the Kriol Jazz Festival.

The feedback from the public left no margin for doubts: the initiative had to be kept going. The challenge was immediately accepted and new partnerships were sought out as, little by little, stage by stage, the festival consolidated its position on the city's and, indeed, the country's cultural agenda.

The notoriety Cabo Verde has been able to garner through music increased even further, and the festival's overriding objective was achieved: its internationalization.

The Kriol Jazz Festival has made a name for itself and is now firmly on the international festival circuit. Indeed, the KJF grew to the point that it was considered one of the 25 best music festivals in the world.

Experiences were exchanged and friendships made, and, with an eye to the past and feet facing the future, motivation for the many, many more editions of the KJF is strong.

We extend our warm greetings to all the musicians and our audience. As we proudly raise the first flag of Sal - KJF, it symbolizes the partnership between Harmony and the Sal Municipal Council. Let us continue our journey together because this celebration belongs to all of us, and the passion is one: music.

BUT WHERE IS SAL?

The city of Santa Maria is located on the island of Sal, which stands proudly in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean a few hundred kilometers west of Senegal.

Sal is one of the ten islands forming the archipelago of Cabo Verde, a small independent country since 1975 and which vibrates more than any other to the rhythm of music.

THEY WERE WITH US IN PRAIA CITY

They lit up our previous editions in Praia

2009 Tcheka / Meddy Gerville / Ba Cissoko / Lenine / Mário Lucio / Regis Gizavo / Jorge Reyes / Yuri Buenaventura

2010 Vasco Martins / Kim Alves / Mario Canonge / Ralph Thamar / René Lacaille / Kora Jazz Trio / Princezito / Tumi & the Volume / Jaques Morelenbaum & Cello Samba Trio/ Manhattan Transfer

2011 Remna Schwarz / Danae / Vera Cruz / Lexxus Legal / Gaita Ferro / Ensemble do Hot Clube de Portugal / Cordas do Sol / Ferro Gaita / Albertino / Jean Marie Alain / Yamandu Costa / Boubacar Traoré / Hernani Almeida / Tania Libertad / Cindy Blackman Santana / Maraca & his Latin Jazz All Star

2012 Mirri Lobo / Sia Tolno / Kola Beat / BoB / Tradison de Terra / Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole / Ballaké Sissoko et Vincent Segal / Mário Laginha / Mayra Andrade / Soft / Manu Dibango / Thurgot Théodat (with Ku4rtet) / Tavares Brothers

2013 Zé Luis / Dominique Fillon Trio / Giovanni Mirabassi / Rui Cruz / Berklee School of Music / Ceuzany / Jupiter / Carmen Souza / Ziskakan / Jerry Gonzales / Pierre Akedengue Gangbe Brass Band / Leo Gandelman / Bettye Lavette / Hugo Mendes

2014 Maya / Tcheka / Berklee Band / Cesaria Evora Orchestra / Carlos Mendes / Candida Rose / Katia Guerreiro / Habib Koite / Ismael Lo / Marly Quintet / Sara Tavares / Kenny Garret / Monty Alexander / Chico Cesar

2015 Manuel de Candinho-Quarteto Tradicional / Helder Pelada Rodrigues & Band/ Elida Almeida / Ron Savage Trio & Special Guests / Airelle Besson / Raphaele Atlan/ Dino D`Santiago & Fábia Rebordão / Jowee Omicil / Richard Bona / Lura / Reis Demuth Wiltgen Trio/ Céu / Esperanza Spalding

2016 Romeu di Lurdis / Ceuzany / Tubarões / Ron Savage Trio / Paulo Flores / Tânia Maria / Aziz Sahmaoui and University of Gnawa / El Gato Negro / Jeff Herr Corporation / Nerdistan / Nett Work feat. Charnett Moffet and Stanley Jordan / Carlos Martins Quarteto feat. Jenifer Solidade and Khaly / Téofilo Chantre / Dina Medina / Zeca Couto Quinteto

2017 Leyla McCalla / Sylvain Luc Trio / Pat Thomas / Maria Gadú / Mayra Andrade / Roberto Fonseca Quartet / Spyro Gyra / Elida Almeida / Silvano Sanches / Hélio Batalha / Grace Evora / DJ Mo Laudi / Jaixi ft Boaz / Fidjus di Codé di Dona

2018 Flavia Coelho / Ayo / Seu Jorge / Reis Demuth Wiltgen Trio / Nathalie Natiembe / Mario Lucio / Stanley Jordan feat Thunder Duo / Sara Tavares / Kriol Band (Boy G Mendes, Hernâni Almeida, Jacob Desvarieux, Jowee Omicil, Mário Canonge, Taffa Sissé, Thierry Fanfant, Yissi Garcia) / Hilario Silva / Wilson Silva / Bulimundo / Os Tubarões / Bantu

2019 Azagua / Trakinuz / Bulimundo / Rincon Sapiencia / Cuca Roseta / Mário Lucio & Simenteria / Tito Paris / Zeca Pagodinho / Anabela Aya / Karyna Gomes / Roberta Campos / Mirri Lobo / Otis / El Comité / Lucky Peterson / Rougaiverde / Stanley Clarke / Tiloun / Mayra Andrade

2023 Orchestra Baobab / Pamela Badjogo / Tcheka / Roosevelt Collier / Luedji Luna / Bamba Wassoulou Groove / Dee Dee Bridgewater / Lucibela / Aṣa / Doctor Prats

Maria João Brito
Councilor for Culture of Sal City Council (CMS)

WELCOME TO SAL!

On the upcoming days of July 7th and 8th, Sal Island will become the epicenter of Cabo Verdean culture, hosting one of the country's largest annual cultural events - the Kriol Jazz Festival. Following its long-standing tradition, this festival brings together renowned national and international artists, captivating audiences and celebrating the essence of Creole jazz.

This edition of the Kriol Jazz Festival holds significant importance for Sal Island, as it has been chosen as the venue for this celebration of Cabo Verdean music. Within its unique genre and diverse nature, the festival showcases the freedom of musical expression, the richness of tradition, and the captivating melodies, rhythms, and harmonies.

Undoubtedly, this first edition of the Kriol Jazz Festival, which has been a cornerstone of Cabo Verdean music for 12 years, will honor Sal Island as the host of this remarkable event. It will further solidify its reputation as the country's tourism Capital, reinforcing its institutional recognition and contributing to its economic prosperity and cultural enrichment.

From the very beginning, the Municipality of Sal enthusiastically embraced the concept of decentralizing the Kriol Jazz Festival. A partnership was established with the festival's organization, and this inaugural decentralized edition is expected to be a resounding success. It will bring numerous benefits to the island, elevating its cultural heritage, providing enjoyment for the audience, boosting the economy, and leaving indelible memories.

Through this partnership, the Municipal Council fulfills its institutional duty to strengthen and expand Sal Island's cultural agenda. Moreover, it embraces the cooperative framework that this partnership entails, where events of this nature contribute to the continual growth of Sal as a top-quality tourist destination. The island's offerings, services, and grand events enhance its competitiveness and attractiveness.

Therefore, the Municipal Council takes great pride in its participation and commitment to this cultural commemoration. The festivities will take place at Manuel António Martins Square in Santa Maria, where talented instrumentalists and performers, both national and international, will grace the stage. These exceptional artists will undoubtedly honor the Touristic City of Santa Maria with two days of unforgettable performances.

The presence of such remarkable artists guarantees the attendance of the people of Sal, while also inviting tourists and residents to come and enjoy this extraordinary spectacle. The Kriol Jazz Festival not only dignifies the artistic and cultural expression of Cabo Verdean people in general but also specifically celebrates the spirit of Sal Island.

Long live the First Kriol Jazz Festival held in Santa Maria, Sal Island.