If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss out on in Berlin, it’s Xjazz Festival.
One of the reasons I started Music Travel Guide was to bring artists, musicians, and music enthusiasts together.
Through our online and offline events, my aim has always been to create connections and promote meaningful conversations.
Through this experience, I came to understand the importance of diversity.
We live in such a diverse world. And we need diversity.
Diversity promotes innovation, and progression in music, helping enhance inclusivity in the music industry, and breaking stereotypes.
As an independent artist, exploring diverse music can enhance your artistic skills, broaden your musical horizons, and enrich your art.
And this is precisely what lies at the core of the Xjazz Festival: exploring all corners of Jazz.
Xjazz Festival 2024 is a significant milestone as it celebrates its 10th edition, making it Berlin’s liveliest jazz festival.
With a focus on fostering an inclusive community, the festival aims to bring people together through the power of music.
Xjazz is back with an impressive roster of artists from the local Berlin music scene, alongside acclaimed jazz acts entertaining you from May 6 to May 12.
Something more about the Xjazz Festival 2024 is below.
- Xjazz Festival – The 10th Edition
- The Venues
- Xjazz Festival 2024 – Lineup
- International Acts
- Berlin-based music collectives
- Jazz Kontakt: Shchuka
- Xjazz 2024 – Side Program
Xjazz Festival – The 10th Edition
Ever since it made its debut in May 2014, Xjazz has rapidly become a prominent and alternative Berlin festival.
The festival combines various styles and pushes the boundaries of what is traditionally considered “jazz,” creating an expansive musical landscape.
From jazz to funk, hip-hop to electronica, this festival embraces it all.
The idea was to develop a jazz festival format which represents a clear antithesis to the established German jazz culture
Sebastian Studzinsky
In 2022, XJAZZ! was honoured with the title of Festival of the Year at the German Jazz Awards, maintaining its status as a premier event not just in Germany but across all of Europe.
Featuring more than 60 performances, the XJAZZ! 2024 lineup brings together a wide range of established and up-and-coming artists, making it a true celebration of the festival’s 10th anniversary.
But before we delve into the full program, let me tell you about one thing that makes XJAZZ! 2024 unique.
The Venues
What’s better than enjoying Berlin’s most vibrant jazz festival while discovering Kreuzberg, one of Berlin’s Coolest Neighborhoods?
Kreuzberg, with its mix of trendy cafés and gritty urban atmosphere, provides a plethora of things to do.
Thanks to its diversity, I believe it’s the perfect match for experiencing XJAZZ! to the fullest.
Starting from Wednesday until Sunday, the Emmaus Church at Lausitzer Platz will be transformed into a renowned venue where jazz legends and experimental music will take center stage.
Additionally, from Friday through Sunday afternoon, the excitement will continue at Festsaal Kreuzberg, Lohmühleninsel, and Schlesischer Busch along the banks of the Spree River.
Check out here 👉🏻 the XJAZZ! 2024 Festival Map.
Xjazz Festival 2024 – Lineup
Since I started attending Xjazz, I always delved into “new territories”.
This festival has greatly influenced my exposure to contemporary artists and musicians.
For example, in the 2019 edition, I had the opportunity to witness Acid Pauli & Karl Ivar Refseth perform at Emmaus Kirche.
And just last year, I had a fantastic time enjoying Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and his Sekondi Band at Lido Berlin.
Are you ready to delve into this year’s lineup?
From May 6 to May 12., you’ll have the opportunity to experience a variety of renowned artists, both international and local.
From well-known figures like KeiyaA, Joe-Armon Jones, and NNAVY to beloved local favourites such as Sanni Est, douniah and Omer Klein, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Starting on Monday, May 6th, don’t miss the incredible live performance by Nala Sinephro, a talented composer, producer, and musician from the Caribbean and Belgium. Nala Sinephro embodies spirituality in all aspects of her work.
In particular, three artists deserve special mention among the already impressive list.
International Acts
First up is Florence Adooni, one of the leading vocalists of Frafra-gospel in northern Ghana inspiring audiences with her lyrically poignant and melodic voice; the legendary Orchestra Baobab, one of the greatest African bands celebrating their 50th anniversary, and then, Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, combining their meaningful music history with an innovative approach to arrangements, performance and improvisation.
The festival this year is putting a spotlight on the US, with renowned musicians like Bill Frisell, Anthoney, Hervey, Lonnie Holley, aden, Sasha Berliner, and Annahstasia bringing the vibrant energy of the American music scene.
You will also have the chance to listen to great deck masters such as Berlin’s God of House music Ricardo Villalobos. Together with Sebastian Studnitzy, Argenis Brito, Christopher Dell and Wolfgang Haffner, he forms Gang of Wolves.
Get ready for an unforgettable sound experience!
Berlin-based music collectives
In addition to that, Berlin’s local talents will be showcased by two well-known collectives: Cassette Head Sessions and Swim Good.
The jam sessions organized by Cassette Head Sessions will take place every night during the week and will feature live performances known for their spontaneity and high energy levels.
On the other hand, Swim Good will curate the entire festival program at Club ÆDEN, ensuring that you are treated to amazing hip-hop acts that will keep you dancing until late into the night.
Not to mention Nightmares on Wax, one of the most influential artists of a generation and a long-standing member of Warp Records, Nubiyan Twist, Shabaka Hutchings, Wayne Snow, Otis Mensah, and the Oshu Records’s showcase presenting Àbáse feat. Aduni, Thamsanqa Vuthela, K’boko, Bognár, Boros, Hock Philo & Petter.
Jazz Kontakt: Shchuka Ryba
Furthermore, the festival’s grand opening on May 7th will pay tribute to the resilience of Ukrainian artists and their transition from wartime struggles to the process of rebuilding in the post-war era.
This project not only focuses on the musical journey but also addresses the communities impacted by the aftermath of conflict in Ukraine’s transition from wartime to post-war reconstruction.
The Jazz Kontakt: Shchuka Ryba event will showcase performances by folk band Shchuka Ryba and a jazz trio representing the Ukrainian FUSIONJAMS community.
These talented musicians will be joined by two instrumentalists hailing from Berlin.
Don’t miss this FREE EVENT on Tuesday, May 7th by registering 👉🏻 HERE.
Xjazz 2024 – Side Program
In addition to the impressive lineup, Xjazz will also host a series of workshops and panels that cover various subjects such as jazz, cultural heritage, and the origins of music.
These sessions provide a unique opportunity for you to delve deeper into their understanding of jazz and engage in meaningful conversations with experts from the industry as well as fellow music enthusiasts.
Speaking of which, I highly recommend attending the workshop “What’s jazz got to do with it” by Eric Vaughn and Natalie Greffel.
In this session, they will deliver a performance lecture that explores the political and historical aspects of Black American music within a social context.
They will take you on a journey through both historical facts and personal connections related to this genre.
That being said, make sure you don’t miss out on this year’s festival, which promises a one-of-a-kind opportunity for connections and inspiration.
Secure your Xjazz Pass ticket HERE before they’re all gone!
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