The month of September in Colombia sounds like jazz. Cities such as Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Pasto, and Santa Cruz de Mompox come alive with rhythm and creativity in a national circuit that brings together emblematic festivals, cultural tributes, and the participation of renowned international artists such as Richard Bona, Tom Diakité, and Gilberto Santa Rosa.
Since its arrival in the country in 1921, jazz has become a fundamental part of Colombia’s cultural identity. Over the years, September has been consecrated as the “month of jazz,” thanks to the joint efforts of festivals across several regions. These musical gatherings are brought together under the Circuito de Jazz Colombia, an initiative that promotes artistic creation, circulation, and exchange between national and international musicians.
Jazz Festivals in Colombia during September
The jazz circuit in Colombia encompasses some of the country’s most important festivals, including MedeJazz (Medellin), Ajazzgo (Cali), and PastoJazz (Pasto). This year, Bogota joins the tour, opening the circuit with Jazz al Parque.
Bogota sounds like jazz
Bogota kicks off the Circuito de Jazz Colombia on September 4 with Emergentes Jazz, a festival co-organized by Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Universidad de los Andes, and the Centro Nacional de las Artes (CNA), designed to promote emerging talents in the genre. Then, on September 6 and 7, the city will host the 28th edition of Jazz al Parque at two venues simultaneously Parque El Country in Usaquén and Parque de los Novios in Barrios Unidos with free admission. This year’s edition will feature around twenty ensembles from the United States, Germany, Chile, Mexico, and several Colombian cities, exploring fusions of jazz with rock, funk, hip hop, and electronic music under the theme “Jazz and the City: A Constant Dialogue.”
@culturaenbta La primera jornada de #JazzAlParque2023 fue un éxito. Te esperamos este domingo para que vivamos un cierre espectacular lleno de talento local, nacional e internacional. #VivoElJazz #CulturaBogotá #Conciertos #Jazz #PlanesEnBogotá ♬ Jazz masterpiece "As time goes by" covered by a Jazz violinist by profession(962408) – ricca
Continuing the program, on September 14, the Teatro Colón will present the Richard Bona Asante Trio, while Tom Diakité will perform at the CNA plaza. The city will close the month with a tribute to maestro Edy Martínez, featuring a big band concert (September 26, Teatro Colón), a Real Book Colombia jazz showcase at the Sala Fanny Mikey (September 27), and the screening of the documentary Viva Edy at the CNA plaza (September 28).
MedeJazz
Medellin will host MedeJazz from September 6 to 20, a festival that has become a cultural epicenter for over a decade. This edition brings together international stars Richard Bona and Tom Diakité alongside local and emerging artists in venues such as Plaza Mayor’s Gran Salón, Teatro El Tesoro, and the Botanical Garden. The result is a vibrant synergy between global and local sounds. “It’s an incredible celebration, where local bands share the stage with musicians from all over the world. The invitation is to open your mind and let yourself be surprised,” says Circuit director Óscar Mario Castañeda.
@eliansax16 Así vivimos el 28° Festival Internacional del Jazz @medejazz ¡Un sueño hecho realidad! 🎷🌟 Fue un espacio vibrante, lleno de goce, calor y la alegría de Medellín. Gracias de corazón por hacer que la 18ª Fiesta del Libro y la Cultura de Medellín @fiestalibro fuera inolvidable. 📚✨ Su entusiasmo convirtió el concierto de Música del Pacífico en un momento mágico. 🎶👏 Para nosotros, es esencial seguir difundiendo las expresiones del Pacífico y compartir nuestra rica herencia cultural. Juntos, hemos creado recuerdos que atesoraremos siempre.
Ajazzgo, Cali
Cali celebrates 25 years of Ajazzgo from September 9 to 23, an event that honors the African roots of jazz through a blend of tradition and experimentation. The program includes performances by international guests Richard Bona (Asante Trio) and Tom Diakité, along with local talents that highlight the city’s unique cultural fusion. Festival director Diego Pombo reflects, “There are groups that make me cry; it’s the most honest and joyful way of crying in my life.”
PastoJazz
PastoJazz 2025 will take place from September 11 to 25 in San Juan de Pasto, as part of the Circuito de Jazz Colombia. Guest artists include Richard Bona (Cameroon) with his Asante Trio, blending jazz with African and Caribbean rhythms, and Tom Diakité (Mali), a kora master offering deeply rooted African sounds. Both artists will also perform in Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín as part of the national circuit.
Jazz Festival in Mompox
Finally, Santa Cruz de Mompox will host the 11th edition of FestiJazz from September 17 to 20, an event that goes beyond jazz to create a holistic celebration of music, art, and culture. This year’s headliner is Gilberto Santa Rosa. The festival also features a diverse program: Street Jazz, the “Río de Gente” parade, circus shows, dance and fashion performances, a gastronomic and artisan fair (daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), workshops, talks, and presentations by groups such as Colegio del Cuerpo and Unibac.
@mthvanessabaezapa #FestivaldeJazzMompox2024 #Jazz#Champeta ♬ sonido original – Vane