Kathmandu once again sways to the rhythm of jazz. Jazzmandu, the city’s iconic international jazz festival, is back for its 21st edition, filling the valley with melody, improvisation, and cultural harmony. From 9 to 15 October 2025, venues across the capital will resonate with sounds that prove — as the festival’s spirit suggests — that while east is east and west is west, the twain do meet.
A Festival with a Purpose
When Chhedup Bomzan of The Jazz Upstairs Bar and Navin Chettri, drummer and vocalist of the band Cadenza Collective, founded Jazzmandu in 2002, they dreamt of bringing world-class jazz to Nepal and creating a platform for cultural exchange. Two decades later, their dream continues to thrive.
Organised by Upstairs Ideas, Jazzmandu — often called The Kathmandu Jazz Festival — has grown into South Asia’s most respected jazz event. Over the years, it has welcomed artists from across the globe, from the United States and Brazil to Mali, Germany, and Japan, while nurturing Nepal’s own emerging jazz scene.
The 2025 Line-up: A Global Collaboration
The 21st edition boasts a rich and diverse line-up, blending international virtuosity with Nepali innovation.
From abroad:
Catia Werneck Quartet (Brazil/France) – a seamless fusion of Brazilian rhythms and jazz harmony
MOHS (Switzerland) – pioneers of contemporary nu-jazz textures
Leona Berlin (Germany) – soul-infused, experimental jazz vocals
Femke Smit & Mike del Ferro (Netherlands/Spain) – exploring European jazz’s melodic roots
Nick Aggs (Australia) – multi-instrumentalist known for his world-music influences
From Nepal:
Cadenza Collective – the festival’s founding ensemble and perennial favourite
Jonisha Poudel – a rising voice blending Nepali soul with modern jazz phrasing
Samundra and Gandharva – musicians weaving traditional Nepali instruments into jazz forms
Together, these artists embody Jazzmandu’s enduring mission: to connect people, traditions, and ideas through the universal language of improvisation.
.png)
Venues & Highlights: A Journey Through Sound
Jazzmandu 2025 unfolds over a week, transforming familiar spaces into sanctuaries of sound.
9 October – Jazz for the Next Generation, St Xavier’s School, Jawalakhel
An educational concert introducing jazz to young audiences. (Invitation only)
9 October – Groovin’ at Upstairs, Jazz Upstairs, Lazimpat
An opening night of spontaneous jamming and intimate sets.
10 October – Valley Jams, Multiple venues including Electric Pagoda, Jazz Upstairs, and The Baha
A night of exploration, featuring eclectic performances across the city.
11 October – Jazz Bazaar, Gokarna Forest Resort
The festival’s signature outdoor event — a day-long celebration of music, nature, and community under open skies.
13 October – Sounds of Acid Jazz, Eden, Jhamsikhel
A groove-centred evening merging R&B, soul, and electric jazz.
14 October – Jazz at Patan, Yalamaya Kendra, Patan Dhoka
A cultural fusion of Nepali classical music and jazz — performed in one of the Valley’s most evocative heritage settings.
14 October – Workshops and Masterclasses, Alliance Française, Jhamsikhel
Hands-on sessions with MOHS, Leona Berlin, and Catia Werneck, aimed at Nepali students and emerging musicians.
15 October – The Grand Finale, The Malla Hotel, Lainchaur
A climactic closing concert bringing together all participating artists.
Each venue reflects Kathmandu’s eclectic character — from the historic courtyards of Patan to the leafy calm of Gokarna Forest. The festival’s geography mirrors its musical ethos: jazz belongs everywhere.
The Spirit of Jazzmandu
A Cultural Bridge
Jazzmandu stands as a living dialogue between cultures. Nepali rhythms meet Latin grooves; Himalayan melodies converse with European harmonies. Rather than merging into one, these traditions listen to each other — and in that conversation, something new emerges.
A Platform for Nepali Talent
Through school concerts, workshops, and collaborations, Jazzmandu continues to nurture local artists. What began as a niche genre has now become a growing movement in Nepal, with jazz steadily finding its place in the country’s evolving musical landscape.
A Symbol of Resilience
Nepal has weathered its share of challenges — political transitions, natural disasters, and global isolation. In this context, the persistence of Jazzmandu is an act of optimism. Each note played is a quiet declaration: creativity endures.
After more than two decades, Jazzmandu remains one of the most anticipated events in Nepal’s cultural calendar. Its return for the 21st time is not just a musical milestone but a reaffirmation of Kathmandu’s openness to the world.
As the valley’s temples and courtyards fill with rhythm once more, Jazzmandu 2025 invites everyone — musicians and listeners alike — to celebrate connection, improvisation, and the timeless truth that music heals.
Also Read
