Dhaka celebrates International Jazz Day 2023

Every year, the International Jazz Day is celebrated around the world on 30 April. It was declared a special occasion by UNESCO as means to highlight jazz music and its diplomatic role in uniting people all around the globe. The jazz scene of Bangladesh is operated by the musicians themselves and they have been the main initiators throughout.

The most notable names involved in the local jazz scene are Imran Ahmed, Towfiq Arifin Turjo, Rahin Haider, Mohaimin Karim, Raihan Rashid Majumder, and many more. Since 2019, iCreation entered the scene with these musicians to add and explore Bangladeshi jazz music.

Innovative Creations Limited (iCreation) is a concern of Impress Group. As a part of a conglomerate that houses media and publication companies like Channel I, Radio Bhumi, and Ananda Alo they are always seeking inventive ways to contribute to art, music, and the literary industry of Bangladesh.

Throughout the year Dhaka's jazz events have been acknowledged by the official UNESCO International Jazz Day on their website. Recently, the Bangladeshi Jazz scene has been recognised by the legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.

Dhaka's Jazz Day 2023 celebration was special as the local musicians were joined by Grzegorz Karnas, a performer, educator, and festival owner from Poland. He founded a renowned jazz festival called "Voicingers" which now operates in many countries including Poland, Denmark, Vietnam, China, France, etc.

International Jazz Day Celebration was hosted at The Garage Food Court, a food court with multiple famous local restaurant chains and performance space for artists. It included renowned artists who represent Bangladesh in international events. The ambiance and setting of the event were energetic. The guests attending the event were a diverse mix of local jazz enthusiasts and expatriates. Corporates, entrepreneurs, university students, and socially active members of the local music community attended the event.