‘Joy lives here’: Kirk Whalum on why Kenya feels like home

Award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, shared platforms with music legends and built a career spanning decades in jazz and gospel music.

Yet, when he speaks about Kenya, it is not fame or performance that comes to mind first — it is joy.

Ahead of his May 31, 2026 performance at the Sarit Expo Centre alongside R&B icon Karyn White, Whalum sat down with The Star team for an intimate conversation about music, connection and why Kenya continues to hold a special place in his heart.

“My wife and I both love this place,” Whalum said with a smile. “Whenever I’m here, I feel lifted.”

The people are warm, friendly and intelligent. There’s something spiritual about Kenya.”

The American saxophonist, whose sound blends smooth jazz with gospel influences, described Kenya as one of the few places where joy feels genuine and deeply rooted within people. “Joy here is not something temporary,” he said.

“It’s not here today and gone tomorrow. It wells up in people, and they share it with others. Every time I come here, I feel like I’m soaking that in.”

At one point during the interview, the musician joked that perhaps his connection to Kenya has grown so strong that he may one day need a permanent home in Nairobi.

“You can find me an apartment maybe later, definitely,” he said, laughing. For Whalum, music has always been more than entertainment.

Over the years, he has used jazz and gospel as tools for healing, inspiration and human connection. Despite decades in the industry, he says performing still excites him because of the emotional bond created with audiences.

“It really is a blessing to perform and connect with people,” he said. “I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and I never imagined music would allow me to connect with people from all over the world.”

Fans attending the Sarit Expo concert should expect a rich blend of soulful saxophone melodies, gospel-inspired music and smooth jazz arrangements that have defined Whalum’s career.

Karyn White, known for her timeless R&B hits and commanding stage presence, will add a soulful touch to the evening, creating a fusion of jazz, soul and rhythm and blues for Kenyan audiences.

Tickets for the concert are currently on sale through ticketyetu.com, with organisers revealing that Gold seats and Early Bird tickets have already sold out.

The remaining tickets include Diamond seats retailing at Sh12,500 and Silver seats going for Sh7,500.

As anticipation builds ahead of the May 31 event, Whalum says the performance will not only be about music, but also about sharing energy, emotion and hope with fans.

Get your tickets here.

“We’re getting our joy detox,” he joked.

For lovers of live music, the Sarit Expo concert promises more than a performance — it promises an experience built on rhythm, soul and human connection.