Ghana joined the global celebration of International Jazz Day with a concert and tribute to Ella Fitzgerald held at the Accra Marriott Hotel on April 30.
The event, organised by Maximum Jazz and themed “International Jazz Day & Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald,” featured Yomi Sower and Friends, delivering a night of world-class jazz performances by some of Ghana’s most talented musicians.
Speaking at the event, Yomi Sower, founder and host of Maximum Jazz, said the concert not only provided entertainment but also created a platform to foster meaningful collaborations among jazz artistes. He explained that the depth and variety each musician brought to the stage enhanced the overall artistic experience.
She further noted that celebrating International Jazz Day in Ghana ensured the country’s inclusion on global jazz calendars recognised by UNESCO and the United Nations. According to him, the concert was officially registered on JazzDay.com, contributing to the global recognition of Ghana’s jazz scene.
The event also marked another milestone for Maximum Jazz, earning the brand international visibility and endorsements from global institutions including UNESCO and the United Nations.
A key highlight of the evening was the pre-launch of Maximum Jazz Television, expected to become Ghana’s first dedicated jazz television programme. The pre-launch coincided with the celebration of the 14th anniversary of the Maximum Jazz radio show, which has been on Ghana’s airwaves since 2012 and is branded as “Ghana’s No.1 Drive Time Jazz Radio Show.”
The date of the concert also coincided with the birthday of its host, Yomi Sower, adding a personal significance to the celebration.
While the primary focus of the concert was entertainment, it was also strategically aimed at building jazz communities and deepening appreciation for the genre in Ghana. Additionally, the platform served as an avenue to attract sponsorship and financial support for Maximum Jazz’s media initiatives, including its radio and upcoming television productions, as well as to support musicians and their craft.
The event attracted a diverse audience, including elite socialites, luxury brand representatives, business executives, diplomats, jazz enthusiasts, and fans of Ella Fitzgerald.
Performances on the night were delivered by Nicholas Mettle (keyboards), Jerry Sax (saxophone), Patrick (guitar), Niyi, a talking drum virtuoso from Nigeria, and Yomi Sower (vocals).
Side attractions included social mixer and networking sessions, providing guests with opportunities to connect.
The concert, which offered free entry, was supported by jazz lovers and well-wishers, with guests encouraged to reserve seats in advance.
International Jazz Day, established in 2011 by UNESCO, is celebrated annually on April 30 to highlight jazz and its role in promoting peace, dialogue and unity across cultures. The initiative was led by renowned jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and chairs the global celebration alongside the UNESCO Director-General.
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