XJAZZ! FESTIVAL 2025 RECAP
A month has passed after XJAZZ! FESTIVAL 2025, but it doesn’t feel like final – it feels like a new beginning. XJAZZ! ignited something extraordinary—a spark of creativity, emotion, and connection that’s only just begun. Over five transformative days, we witnessed the power of sound and story to unite people in shared moments of vulnerability.
Opening Night curated by Poetry Meets: VERSE//PULSE
The evening felt like a living poem—raw, tender, electric. Ihram Fazal, Elom 20ce, Natcyet Wakili, Joy Alpuerto Ritter, and Kersha Bailey wove dance, percussion, rap, and voice into a single emotional arc. From the first breath to the final silence, the church pulsed with unity and intention. One fan captured it perfectly: “witnessed pure magic” .
Bonaparte – The Quiet
Known for explosive shows, Bonaparte surprised us with something quieter and deeply personal. Backed by Uri Gincel Trio, his stripped-down set highlighted delicate guitar, hushed vocals, and moments of reflection. It was a collective pause—an invitation to listen anew.
'Berlin Focus' - our love confession to the local scene.
Friday brought a love letter to the Berlin scene, diverse sounds, genre-crossing performances. The energy was electric, the audience fully immersed. It wasn’t just gigs—it was Berlin’s creative pulse unleashed for a night. Our applause go to the ones, who shape Berlin scene today: Àbáse, Jembaa Groove, Ex Generation: The Napoli Exchange, D.$AHIN, Brown Penny, Lucy Liebe, and all musicians who were on board this day! Special shout out goes to our partners in Refuge Worldwide and SHUSH, who perfectly put the final touch to ‘Berlin Focus’ Friday.
Festival Saturday with Moor Mother, Lonnie Holley, Alabaster DePlume & More
This was the emotional heart of the festival. Moor Mother + Lonnie Holley commanded with raw truth; Alabaster DePlume offered palpable vulnerability; Ignabu and Joy Guidry brought warmth and movement, closing the gap between stage and soul. Bold, unfiltered, and unforgettable. Second year in a row, one of the most exciting shows is XJAZZ! Showcase: fresh, unexpected, highly professional and aspiring. And, of course, cherry on a pie - worldwide premiere of Musclecars perfoming a live set with the local legends like Àbáse, Douniah, Natalie Greffel and others.
Final touch: XJAZZ! Sunday with Family Program, corto.alto, Aron & Jeri Jeri Band, Yukimi and heavy rain.
Sunday offered gentle community healing: school bands and playful moments at Oberhafenkantine, then a smooth transition into evening with powerful Sorvina‘s manifestation, wild grooves by Aron and Jeri Jeri Band, corto.alto delivered brass-driven joy, Yukimi closed with serene yet powerful elegance. Sunday stays for celebration and connection.
With our hearts wide open, we want to THANK:
• our audience: You are the fuel of XJAZZ!
• our artists: Your bravery, vulnerability, and creativity defined the festival.
• partners: Poetry Meets, Refuge Worldwide, SHUSH, HHV — your support shaped everything.
• our crew & volunteers: Every light, mic, and moment carried your dedication.
We already miss y‘all and counting days till next XJAZZ! edition. You can get your SUPER EARLY BIRD PASS HERE.
Truly yours,
XJAZZ! team