The jazz community in Accra is abuzz with excitement as the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (JLCO) is set to perform at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill on October 10 and 11, 2025. This historic event marks the Orchestra’s first-ever African tour in its 38-year history, with performances scheduled in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Wynton Marsalis, the Artistic and Music Director of the Orchestra, is a legendary figure in the jazz world. As a band leader, composer, teacher, and music director, Marsalis has won nine Grammy Awards and is the only person to have won a Grammy in both Jazz and Classical music categories. With a deep passion for straight-ahead Jazz, he has also been honored with a Pulitzer Prize for Jazz and is a Member of the British Royal Academy of Music.
The JLCO, under Marsalis’ leadership, consists of talented ensemble players, soloists, composers, arrangers, and educators. Their vast repertoire spans the entire history of Jazz, showcasing their versatility and musical prowess. Joining the Orchestra on their African tour are drummer Herlin Riley, percussionist Weedie Braimah, and vocalist Shenel Johns, who will contribute their own unique talents to the performances.
One of the highlights of the tour will be the debut of a new composition by Marsalis titled ‘Afro!’, which explores the connections between Jazz, the African continent, and its diaspora. This piece pays homage to the rich heritage of African music and its influence on the development of Jazz as an art form.
In addition to the concerts, the JLCO will engage with local students and musicians in Accra through educational programs, furthering their mission to inspire appreciation for Jazz across all ages. The Ghana Jazz Foundation and the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill will host the Accra concerts, showcasing their commitment to promoting Jazz and supporting live music venues in the region.
The Ghana Jazz Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering Jazz and other local art forms, collaborates with musicians and venues to create a vibrant music scene in Ghana. The +233 Jazz Bar and Grill, known as Ghana’s premier live music venue, has welcomed artists from around the world and is a hub for Jazz and world music enthusiasts.
The upcoming performances by the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis promise to be a memorable experience for Jazz lovers in Accra and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness world-class musicians in action and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Jazz in Africa.
