About Us

The second edition of Mitrovica International Jazz Days, held from August 22 to 24, 2024, offered an exceptionally competitive musical program and an inclusive educational platform for talented youth and children. This festival, which has now secured an important place in the cultural calendar of Kosovo and beyond, attracted prominent jazz musicians from the region and around the world, while also providing unique opportunities for participants’ artistic development through workshops and live performances.

This edition was an outstanding success, not only because of its high-quality musical program but also due to its strong emphasis on music education and social inclusion. Through remarkable concerts and inspiring workshops, the festival managed to create a rich cultural environment that connected the local community with renowned musicians and mentors from the region and beyond.

MIJD not only enriched the jazz scene in Kosovo but also offered a significant platform for youth development and support for individuals with disabilities through the power of music.

FOCUS ON WOMEN IN JAZZ AND EMERGING TALENT

A key element of the second edition was its commitment to women in jazz and emerging talent. This edition provided special space for young women and women band leaders, promoting their roles as leaders and significant contributors to the development of jazz music. Female musicians from various countries took the stage, representing not only their nations with dignity but also their dedication to this musical genre.

Over the three days of the festival, MIJD transformed into a global jazz hub, hosting over 55 artists on stage. Musicians from countries such as Sweden,

Poland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Cuba, Ukraine, and the region including Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina — performed before a large audience. Renowned international artists joined local talents, creating a rich, artistic and musical dialogue. This edition also marked, for the second time, an extraordinary level of public interest, attracting a diverse audi- ence from both sides of the divided city of Mitrovica, as well as from other cities across Kosovo.

KOSOVO TALENTS

This two-day workshop focused on the development and promotion of young talents from Kosovo. Under the guidance of renowned mentors Dukagjin Muhaxheri and Nesim Maxhuni, the participants, which included young musicians and music enthusiasts, prepared three musical pieces that were later performed on the final day of the festival.

The workshop concentrated on developing the technical skills and musical creativity of the youth, helping them work in groups and improve their stage performance. The mentors provided valuable guidance on the structure of a musical composition, the importance of teamwork, and techniques for performing professionally. This was a rare opportunity for young people to work with experienced musicians and prepare to take the stage at the festival.

Jazz4Kids

“Jazz4Kids” was a unique three-day workshop dedicated to introducing children to jazz music and nurturing their creativity. The workshop was divided into two parts: the music session and the art session.

During the music session, children were introduced to musical instruments and had the opportunity to create simple sounds with the help of professional musicians. They were encouraged to explore the world of music through interactive games and rhythmic exercises.

In the art session, children designed concert posters, drew, and worked with clay to create miniature models of musical instruments. The workshop was an extraordinary success, attracting many children and providing them with opportunities to develop new skills while having fun.

 

Platform for Inclusivity: The inclusion of individuals with disabilities through “Sound Healing” sessions demonstrates that MIJD is more than just a music festival. This activity fosters inclusivity and provides space for everyone to experience the transformative power of music. MIJD exemplifies how culture can serve as a powerful tool for improving quality of life and breaking down social barriers.

Breaking Stigmas: Mitrovica, with its complex history, requires events more than any other part of our country that contribute to a higher quality of life—activities that are inclusive, enabling citizens of all ages and categories to feel represented and proud of their participation in diverse events. MIJD has achieved this through inclusive concerts and activities that engage a variety of audiences across all age groups. However, this approach needs expansion and enhancement.

Educational Impact and Development of Younger Generations: The workshops organized during MIJD have created an environment for education and the development of children and youth. These educational activities are crucial for fostering new generations of artists and musicians and for building a rich musical culture in Kosovo, while reviving the city’s former tradition as a hub for music.

Cultural Tourism and Local Economic Development: The value MIJD brings to the local economy and cultural tourism cannot be overstated. The festival has attract- ed numerous visitors and international artists, contributing to Mitrovica’s recogni- tion as a vital cultural hub. This positions the city and the region as an attractive destination for tourists and artists worldwide, enhancing its positive image.