Jazz lovers from across the world gather for Cabo Verde’s Kriol Jazz Festival (KJF), internationally renowned for bringing together the globe’s most beloved jazz artists, putting the country on the music map.
Established in 2009 in Praia, Santiago, the festival has become the beating heart of Cabo Verde’s capital city. Created by Harmonia Lda, a Cabo Verdean music-producer, and the Praia City Council, the festival centres around the celebration of jazz and Creole culture and how this eclectic fusion of sounds has found a home across the islands.
Occurring every April, it is the perfect opportunity for residents and travellers to come together and immerse themselves in the internationally beloved sound of jazz. It is only right, therefore, that KJF features some of the best artists in jazz and Creole across the three-day festivity. Showcasing creatives from myriad cultures and countries, this year’s KJF included Jorge Pardo and Armando Orbon, Kriolatino, Tibau Tavares, and many more.
An important element of each festival is the honouring of legendary jazz artists who have passed, commemorating their lives and the profound impact they have had on the genre. The 2024 edition paid tribute to Nay Fernandes, who thoughtfully composed and produced some of the country’s most well-known morna melodies.
Across 10 stages and with a single passion for music, KJF has become a celebration of all Cabo Verde has given to the world’s symphonies.
 is internationally renowned for bringing together the globe’s most beloved jazz artists, putting the country on the music map. ){kind=link}