The University of Fiji will mark World Jazz Day on Thursday with a special 24 hour jazz marathon on its campus radio station, Vox Populi, celebrating music’s power to bring people together and inspire positive change.
Well known local musicians including Laisa Vulakoro, Ken Jensen, Tom Mawi, Eni Kumar and Sailasa Tora will take part in the event, sharing how jazz music has shaped their careers.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem will host the marathon alongside the University’s Music Director Sailasa Tora and Vox Station Manager Lawrence Singh.
She says jazz is more than just music, describing it as a powerful form of expression that has long carried messages of struggle, hope and renewal.
She says the message behind UNESCO’s International Jazz Day strongly connects with education, and believes music can be used as a tool for positive change in Fiji.
Professor Shameem says the University hopes the event will honour jazz musicians past and present, while also encouraging young musicians in Fiji to appreciate jazz and its ability to influence society for the better.
The 24-hour jazz programme will begin at 8am on Thursday, featuring music and live interviews with leading local artists.
