The Ghana Jazz Orchestra in action
Jazz fans in the nation’s capital will have something delightful come their way when the Ghana Jazz Orchestra is officially launched on September 5, 2026 at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra.
Directed by saxophonist Bernard Ayisa and conducted by pianist Victor Dey Jr., the orchestra comprises five saxophonists, four trumpeters, four trombonists, a clarinetist and a vocalist. It also includes a pianist, bassist, drummer and a percussionist.
There was a glimpse of the orchestra last April during the International Jazz Day celebration. Its handlers gave an assurance that it would appear in full bloom at a later date. The time has now arrived and there’s keen interest to find out what it has under its sleeves.
The orchestra came about through effective collaboration between the Ghana Jazz Foundation and Accra Jazz Academy. It has offered a wonderful opportunity for young players, some of whom had never been in a situation where there were four trumpets, for instance, and had to play and blend as a unit.
The good thing is that there are also some experienced instrumentalists in the ensemble, so all are combining well to explore viable concepts and techniques in the Jazz arena.
The Ghana Jazz Orchestra is currently the only big band Jazz outfit in West Africa. So there’s a big sense of pride at stake as it is formally announced to the world. The orchestra is expected to offer a repertoire that ropes in pleasantly re-worked standards as well as stuff by some smart African composers.
“The Ghana Jazz scene is growing and we are in consistent pursuit of quality and excellence,” says Bernard Ayisa. “We are looking forward to a successful launch event and hope as many people as possible would turn up to support our forward march.”