Kathmandu, October 9

The bright October sun filtered softly through the trees at St. Xavier's School in Jawalakhel as rows of students filed into the auditorium, their chatter rising in waves of anticipation, a nostalgic scene for many. The return of Surya Nepal Jazzmandu, the city's beloved international jazz festival, marked the start of a week of music and cultural exchange. The school auditorium quickly filled up and the buzz was unmistakable, a mix of curiosity, excitement, and the unfamiliar thrill of hearing live jazz on a school morning.

The opening act, mohs., the Swiss quartet known for their experimental nu-jazz soundscapes, set the tone for the day. Although their drummer was unwell, the band didn't miss a beat, as Navin Chettri, Jazzmandu's founder and the heartbeat of Cadenza Collective, stepped in on drums. The set had no lyrics, just fluid improvisations and textured rhythms that drew the audience in quietly, almost meditatively.

Next came Leona Berlin, the German R&B and soul-jazz singer whose smoky, confident voice instantly lifted the energy in the room. Joined by two musicians from her quartet: guitarist Andreas Dombert and drummer Florian Stierstorfer. Berlin performed songs including 'Jealousy,' commanding the stage with a mix of groove and warmth. She engaged with the young audience between songs, and showl=cased her looping skills live!

The final act brought together Cadenza Collective and Australian saxophonist Nick Aggs, who performed an irresistible version of Tamang Selo, a Nepali folk rhythm reimagined through jazz and Afro-funk. The performance culminated in an unscripted collaboration that Chhetri called 'Afrodunza,' a spontaneous musical dialogue where every artist seemed to feed off the other's energy. It was the kind of free-flowing chemistry that defines Jazzmandu.

For many of the students, this was their first brush with jazz. 'I usually listen to Travis Scott,' said Samjhana Rana, a ninth grade student at St. Xaviers. 'I've only ever heard one jazz song before, but this was good.' Her friend Athena Regmi agreed, adding that the last act where all the artists came together was her favorite. Sailesh Thapa Tamang, another student, recalled how as kids they used to sneak into Jazzmandu performances. 'It used to be fun then, but sitting in the audience today felt different,' he said. 'I really enjoyed Leona Berlin's vocals,' he added.

For the visiting artists, performing for a young audience was a refreshing change. 'It's the best crowd ever,' said mohs. guitarist Erwan Valazza, who described his first visit to Nepal as 'amazing, the culture, the streets, even the smell.' Berlin, too, was charmed by the energy in the hall. 'It's so cool to perform for students,' she said. 'My audience is usually older, but this was so fun.'

For Navin Chettri, Jazzmandu remains about one simple thing: music. 'It's always been about the music,' he said after the show. 'We start with young audiences because they're the best, full of energy and curiosity. No matter where we come from or what we play, we all blend together. That's the beauty of Jazzmandu.'

Tomorrow, the festival moves across the Valley for 'Valley Jams,' where performances will take place simultaneously at Jazz Upstairs in Lazimpat, Electric Pagoda in Thamel, and The Baha in Sanepa. Audiences can look forward to Cadenza Collective with Nick Aggs, Catia Werneck Quartet, Leona Berlin Quartet, Femke Smit and Mike Del Ferro, and mohs., each bringing their own sound to Kathmandu's growing jazz story.