How Radio Africa bagged Kenny G for jazz concert

When the lights dimmed inside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre’s Amphitheatre on the night of September 27, a hush fell over the audience. Then came that familiar, velvety saxophone tone — Kenny G, live in Nairobi.

For many in the 3,000-seat venue, the moment was almost surreal.

But for Somoina Kimojino, the general manager for events at Radio Africa Group, it was the culmination of months of sleepless nights, countless calls and one very big dream finally realised.

“It brought tears to my eyes,” she says softly, recalling the moment the Grammy-winning jazz legend stepped onto the stage and the audience erupted.

The concert, themed “Soul in Every Touch of Blue”, was more than a show, it was an experience

. Guests were invited to dress to the theme, with shades of blue filling the room in homage to the history and emotion of jazz. Everything — from the lighting to the stage design — whispered sophistication.

Behind that elegance, though, was a story of persistence. Radio Africa Group had been chasing Kenny G since last year.

“He was originally supposed to perform last year, but the dates didn’t align,” Somoina says.

In January, negotiations resumed, and this time, the stars aligned. “From January to September — that’s how long it took. There’s so much that goes into securing an artiste of his calibre,” she says.

To make it happen, Radio Africa had to design a regional tour circuit including Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. Only after all three destinations were confirmed did the ink meet the contracts.

The show’s title — One Night Only — was inspired by their earlier jazz concert in Uganda, featuring saxophonist Kirk Whalum. “We wanted Kenny G to be the star of a truly exclusive night,” she explains.

Once the date was set, the team turned to the venue hunt. Kasarani Indoor Arena and KICC’s Tsavo Ballroom were both considered, but neither met the technical and aesthetic demands of the production.

KICC’s Amphitheatre finally won out. “We wanted something intimate, world-class and weatherproof,” Somoina says. “It meant fewer tickets, but a much better experience.”

In true Radio Africa style, perfection was non-negotiable. Two months before the event, Somoina’s team staged a full mock setup — tables, lights, stage marks — to ensure every guest had a perfect view.

Her vision was clear: the concert should feel like a glamorous awards night. “We wanted people to walk in and feel they were part of something extraordinary,” she says.

Local acts were carefully curated to complement the main act. Jazz guitarist Kato Change and Afro-fusion star Coster Ojwang brought a distinctly Kenyan rhythm to the night. “Jazz is African at its roots,” Somoina says. “We wanted to remind our guests of that connection.”

If show day was magic, it was also mayhem. Just hours before takeoff, Kenny G’s flight was cancelled due to a European airline strike. The organisers scrambled to secure new tickets through backup agents.

“That’s why you always plan for the worst,” Somoina laughs.

Then came another surprise — KICC was hosting not one, but two church services that same afternoon. One occupied the auditorium, the other the VIP room reserved for Kenny G’s practice. “They weren’t supposed to end until 5pm,” she says, shaking her head. “We had to make calls — a lot of calls — to clear the spaces.”

Meanwhile, a Tourism Day celebration at the same venue caused a security nightmare. The team had to mobilise additional guards within hours.

Despite the hurdles, the evening unfolded seamlessly. A few schedule tweaks later, Coster Ojwang — who was to open the show — graciously closed the night instead.

Kenny G himself turned out to be disarmingly simple. “He only asked for sushi,” Somoina smiles. “He eats it by midday, then nothing else for the rest of the day. That’s his discipline.”

When the music began, time seemed to stand still. The audience — largely mature jazz lovers and Kenya’s cultural elite — swayed and sighed through classics that had scored their weddings and anniversaries.

“It was emotional,” Somoina says. “Seeing people cry, seeing them hold hands — that’s when you know music connects us all.”

By the time Kenny G closed with “Songbird,” Nairobi had witnessed a piece of history.

Radio Africa Group now plans to make One Night Only an annual series, each edition featuring world-class performers. The next act, Somoina hints, is already signed — “one of Africa’s great jazz players”.

She smiles, already thinking ahead. “We’ve raised the bar,” she admits. “Now the challenge is to keep it there.”