ABOUT AFRICA JAZZ NETWORK
“The Africa Jazz Network (AJN) is a Pan- African platform dedicated to the promotion and advancement of jazz music from the African continent.”
OUR STORY
The Africa Jazz Network was born from a collective vision shared by passionate individuals across the African continent. Brought together by a mutual interest in promoting African Jazz on the global stage, this group first gathered at jazzahead! 2024 in Bremen, Germany.
“I am a dreamer, but not an illusionist. But when I saw the Africa Jazz stand and met the people I have been interacting with online, in person for the first time, I realized, this is really happening.”
— Goetz Buehler, Artistic Director, jazzahead!In 2024, African Jazz was featured for the first time at a global jazz event. Our stand, sponsored by jazzahead! as part of the “New Horizons” initiative, became one of the most visited and best-presented stands at the fair. Nearly 100 new subscribers joined our community during those three days.
In 2025, we returned with our officially launched Africa Jazz Network logo, showcasing three incredible artists: Benjamin Jephta (South Africa), Kasiva Mutua (Kenya), and Hervé Samb (Senegal). All performed to capacity crowds in Halle 7.1, demonstrating the growing appetite for African Jazz.
PRIME DIRECTIVE
The Promotion and Advancement of jazz music by African musicians from the continent.
OUR OBJECTIVES
Creating awareness, Building bridges, Promoting engagement & dialogue across the continent and recognition of African Jazz internationally
OUR FOUNDING MEMBERS
Founder – Peter Fisher
Nigeria
PF Music
Pape Armand Boye
Senegal
Le Boutique Studio
Amro Salah
Egypt
Cairo Jazz Festival
Dudu Sarr
Senegal
Dakar Music Expo (DMX)
Moreira Chonguica
Mozambique
Morestar Entertainment
Founder – Lesley Wells
South Africa
Morestar Entertainment
Walter Wanyanya
Zimbabwe
Jacaranda Jazz Festival
Dr. Mongezi Makhalima
South Africa
Mzantsi Jazz Awards
Brenda Sisane
South Africa
Journey to Jazz Festival
Stephanie Schumann
Germany
Delicious Tunes
Julia Kastl
Germany
Delicious Tunes
Mantwa Chinoamadi
South Africa
Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz Festival
OUR GERMAN PARTNERS
JazzAhead
Goethe-Institut, Germany
OUR JOURNEY AT JAZZAHEAD!
DEBUT YEAR
- First African Jazz stand at jazzahead!
- 3 showcase bands from Africa
- Nearly 100 new subscribers
- Panel discussions on African Jazz
OFFICIAL LAUNCH
- Africa Jazz Network logo officially launched
- 3 showcase bands: Benjamin Jephta, Kasiva Mutua, Hervé Samb
- 50+ visitors per day at the stand
- Performances to 600+ capacity crowds
WHAT’S NEXT
- Jazz From Africa Stand named as such
- Expanded programming
- 3 More African artists showcased
- Watch this space!
💬 WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“When African musicians connect, collaborate, and support one another, we strengthen the continent’s jazz fraternity and make it easier for international promoters to discover Africa’s extraordinary talent.”
— Moreira Chonguiça, band leader
“Through the Africa Jazz Network initiative, we are trying to create a stronger collective voice for African jazz on the international circuit”
— Lesley Wells, Founder, Africa Jazz Network
“The jazz world saw and heard. And now they must BELIEVE.”
— Peter Fisher, Founder, Africa Jazz NetworkJOIN THE AFRICA JAZZ NETWORK
Whether you’re an artist, industry professional, or jazz enthusiast, there’s a place for you in our community.
For Artists
- Showcase your music
- Network with peers
- Performance opportunities
For Industry
- Connect with professionals
- Access global market
- Collaboration opportunities
For Fans
- Discover new artists
- Attend events
- Support African jazz