Jazz for charity

Ceasar Kajura, chose to perform a concert to raise funds for special needs children. Courtesy photo

What you need to know:

MUSIC THAT GIVES BACK: Despite his mild form of autism, Kajura has turned out to be a fine Jazz artiste. He uses his talent to inspire special needs children.

It is rare that one would find children at a Jazz event after 7pm, but there were a few vibrant souls darting about at the National Theatre on June 15. This is because proceeds from the concert were dedicated to Hill Preparatory School in Naguru. The school offers inclusive education, supporting children with learning disabilities. This goes for pre-primary, primary and vocational level at its special needs centre.
Joining Baxmba Waves’ Jazz Resonance on Ceasar Kajura raised funds to purchase instruments for children at Hill Preparatory School in Naguru. Jazz Resonance , which is meant to ‘bring back the true Jazz’ with comtemporary fusions, added a humanitarian cause to their quest. Kajura then debuted his latest release “Blessed”; a tribute to children and music.
Along with the instruments purchased for the school, Brass For Africa, a band which rehabilitates street children into music and the arts, shall teach Hill Preparatory pupils both percussion and wind instruments.

Kajura himself was born with a mild form of autism. And having attended Hill Preparatory School in 2002, this cause is very close to his heart. He said in an earlier interview that “I am very grateful to my mother because she supported me in my choices and encouraged me to do music.” He is now using that music to give back to other children that like him have a brilliant future with the right support.

The Campaign
This 2016 concert was preceded by a charity event at the School in 2014. Then, he released his debut album “City Life” and raised Shs10M along with a secured donation from CTM Tiles which enabled construction of washrooms for these children at the special needs centre.

The Music
Branded “It Starts With A Melody, touching lives with the Sax”, Kajura’s show had the theatre auditorium jam-packed. With ease, he clenched his sax, exuding excellence in how he plays the instrument. His song “Ggaba Beach” has a timelessness effect, that despite listening to it two years later, it still feels as fresh. He played a set of tracks off his album, showing a grown excellence with his saxophone.
Baxmba Waves lead vocalist drew love ballads with his strong baritone that accentuated an eclectic jazz audience. Brass For Africa also fueled the fete with their upbeat sounds that speaks incredibly of how music speaks to individuals from all sorts of backgrounds.

Then Ritah Sabiiti with her mastery of the guitar pinched away with mellow sounds of gospel song “Give Thanks...Let the Weak Say I am Strong...”. Sabiiti has an affinity for children and this head of Arts Department at International School of Uganda devoted a larger part of her music to children. Several of her songs are played at the UN. And she also performed with her brother, the poet, Jason Ntaro.