Jazz camp concludes in Azerbaijan's Mingachavir, showcasing emerging talent PHOTO

The fifth edition of the Baku Jazz Camp has concluded in the central Azerbaijani city of Mingachavir, bringing together more than 50 young musicians for a week of training, performances and competition aimed at promoting jazz and nurturing emerging talent.

Organised by the Baku Jazz Festival with the support of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Youth and Sports, the camp also hosted the second round and final of the annual international I Am Jazzman competition, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The educational programme featured master classes led by prominent Azerbaijani jazz musicians, including Raina Sultanova, Shahin Novrasli, Valida Aghayeva and Vagif Aliyev. Participants received training in instrumental performance, music theory and improvisation while exchanging experience with fellow aspiring artists.

The camp concluded with a gala concert for local audiences, continuing a tradition of introducing contemporary jazz to communities across Azerbaijan. Previous editions have been held in the cities of Gakh, Lankaran, Gazakh and Guba.

Project director Leyla Afendiyeva said the initiative has become an important platform for discovering and supporting young jazz musicians, noting that many participants from Azerbaijan's regions have gone on to pursue careers in the genre.

At the conclusion of the I Am Jazzman 2026 competition, pianist Mirsamad Novrasly won first place, followed by pianist Javad Mammadsadykh in second and bass guitarist Ziya Alishov in third. The winners received diplomas, cash prizes and commemorative awards.

By Sabina Mammadli