A celebration of global Jazz harmony

Jazzmandu founders, Chhedup Bomzan and Navin Chettri, reflect on its origins, recalling their early days ‘scheming’ to bring jazz to Nepal.

Just five minutes into the jam session, Jazz Upstairs is already in full swing. Every corner of Kathmandu’s beloved jazz venue is occupied; people are seated on chairs, on the floor, and standing in the hallway, all trying to catch a glimpse of the artists. The bass, guitar, saxophone, and drums create a lively atmosphere. Navin Chettri, one of the festival’s co-founders, sits behind the drum kit, nodding to the beat of the music.