A unique jazz fusion concert is set to take place in Nairobi, featuring Kenyan trumpeter Christine Kamau and German saxophonist Stephanie Lottermoser. The two talented instrumentalists, whose styles blend African rhythms with jazz, will come together to celebrate female musicianship in a performance that promises to be an exciting cross-cultural exchange. Kamau, known for her contemporary jazz infused with African rhythms like benga and rhumba, will join Lottermoser, whose sound combines smooth jazz with elements of soul, funk, and pop.
The two artists first met in April 2024 at the Iazzahead Trade Fair and Festival in Germany. After a panel discussion about musical collaboration, they discussed the possibility of performing together in Nairobi. “There are not many female instrumentalists, and I’ve been promoting female jazz artists globally,” said Lottermoser in an interview with BDLife from her home in Hamburg. “The music industry is still largely male-dominated, both in terms of artists and decision-makers, which can make it challenging for women.” She reflected on her participation in the EFG London Jazz Festival, where she took part in a discussion on the global impact of female jazz musicians.
Meanwhile, Kamau was addressing similar issues at the Amplify Uganda Music Expo in November 2024, where she was part of a panel discussing challenges faced by women in the music industry and the opportunities available to them.
On December 6, both musicians will perform together at the Women in Music concert series at Azteca Restaurant, Runda Mall, Nairobi, supported by the Goethe Institut. “Christine has a beautiful approach to music, and I find her trumpet style refreshing,” says Lottermoser. “Jazz is all about collaboration and absorbing diverse influences, and I’m excited to learn from the rich musical traditions of Kenya. The rhythms there are so different from what we have in Germany, and I’m thrilled to explore them.”
Collaboration is at the heart of Lottermoser’s musical journey. She recalls her recent experience performing with local groups during a trip to Ghana and the Ivory Coast. “Everywhere I go, I meet musicians and exchange ideas, doing some of my own music alongside theirs. I also conduct workshops for young musicians, especially young women who are interested in a music career.”
Ahead of the Nairobi concert, Lottermoser will hold a masterclass at the Kenya Conservatoire of Music on December 3. “When I was in Accra, over 30 saxophonists showed up for my open masterclass, and it was an incredible experience. I’m looking forward to what Nairobi has to offer.”
For the concert, both artists have selected songs from their own repertoires, which they have been rehearsing separately. They will come together next week for joint rehearsals before the performance on December 6. “We’re also discussing recording a song together,” says Lottermoser. “I’m sure we’ll create something beautiful.”
Born in a small town near Munich, Lottermoser’s musical journey began in childhood. She started singing in the children’s choir before taking up flute and piano lessons. “One day, I heard a guy playing a jazz classic on the saxophone, and I immediately wanted to play that too,” she recalls. Her parents bought her a saxophone, and she began classes to learn the instrument. After earning a degree in anthropology, Lottermoser studied at the University of Music and Theatre Hamburg, later receiving the Bavarian Arts Promotion Award for studies at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris.
With six solo albums to her name, Lottermoser’s latest release, Independence (2023), and its predecessor Hamburg (2021) will feature in the Nairobi concert. “Performing in Nairobi will cap off a great year in which my music reached new audiences,” she says. Lottermoser’s final Nairobi performance will take place at the German Embassy on December 8. “I hear the Ambassador is a passionate piano player, and I look forward to jamming with him.”
Kamau expresses excitement about the collaboration: “It’s wonderful to work with one of Germany’s top female jazz acts. We hope our partnership will help strengthen the cultural exchange between Kenya and Germany.”
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