International Jazz Day
A worldwide celebration of jazz
As Nina Simone said, "Jazz is not just music, it is a way of life, it is a way of being, a way of thinking." The story of jazz is written into the quest for human dignity, democracy and civil rights. It has given strength to the struggle against discrimination and racism.
To celebrate the power of jazz as a force for peace, dialogue and mutual understanding, UNESCO in November 2011. This Day is an opportunity to foster greater appreciation – not only for music, but also for the contribution it can make to building more inclusive societies.
Global concert on 30 April 2025
On 30 April 2025, International Jazz Day will be celebrated in more than 190 countries around the world. A special programme of events will take place in this year’s Global Host City, Abu Dhabi, a UNESCO Creative City of Music. In particular, the All-Star Global Concert, led by iconic musician Herbie Hancock, will bring together an extraordinary lineup of renowned jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop artists from around the world.
On 30 April, we celebrate jazz. We celebrate the artists who have inspired people everywhere to walk tall. We celebrate the communities that have united around the sounds of freedom to fight for dignity. Because, in jazz, differences are strengths. In jazz, everybody is welcome, as long as you welcome the particularities of others.
Interviews
Discover the 2025 Jazz Day Relay montage video
Presented by the Music Subnetwork of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and the London Music Office
Partners
