REDTV a dynamic online lifestyle channel, supported by United Bank for
Africa (UBA) Plc, that puts the spotlight on Africa with a distinct global
appeal, has announced its sponsorship of the Runway Jazz Festival as part of
events lined up for the commemoration of Lagos @ 50.
The Runway Jazz Festival scheduled to commence on April 29 and
close on
the April 30th, is organised by Sweet Sound Production in
conjunction with Lagos State Government. The event, a fusion of world class Jazz performances and fashion, coincides with the international
Jazz Day themed “Promoting Peace, Unity and
Dialogue through Art”.
Speaking
at the press conference held in Lagos at the weekend, Obinna Okerekeocha,
Creative Director, Red TV, said
the partnership will afford REDTV’s teeming viewers and lovers of contemporary
Jazz the opportunity to
experience a world class Jazz concert in Lagos. Headlining Runway Jazz 2017,
according to Okerekeocha are two Grammy awards winners; American
Saxophonist, Najee and UK Singer-songwriter, Joss Stone. Others billed to
perform at the event to be held in Eko Hotel Convention Centre are some of
Nigeria’s finest entertainers including Waje, Yinka Davies, Dede, Heavywind,
Tosin Alao, Xerona Duke and host band, Sweet Sound.
The
two day event will kick-off with the Music & Business Masterclass on
Saturday April 29 and the Runway Jazz Concert on Sunday April 30, 2017
“With
haute couture from Jewel by Lisa, and a runway show that captures the evolution
of Lagos over the last 5 decades, Runway Jazz is the biggest and most unique
music and fashion event to hit the Naija entertainment scene,” Okerekeocha
said
Also
speaking at the press conference held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA
House, the Executive Producer, Mr Afolabi Oke, said “the Runway Jazz activities this year
have been heightened and elevated by two strategic partnerships. The first is
with the Berklee College of Music, Boston, USA, which will present a music and
Business Masterclass, facilitated by Professor George W. Russell Jr, Chairman
of the Harmony Department. The second is the Lagos State Government; as
we team up to celebrate the remarkable anniversary of Lagos State, Lagos@ 50.”
On
the theme for the event “Promoting Peace, Unity and Dialogue through Art”, he
noted that “At a time when there is so much turmoil, with socio-cultural
imbalances, and political unrest across nations, there is no better way to
unite the people than through a medium that pushes forward an agenda that
promotes peace,
unity, acceptance of diversity and intercultural dialogue- Music.”
Ace
Musician, Dede Mabiaku and one of the star performers from Nigeria added that
the Runway Jazz was birthed to engage music and art enthusiast and Jazz
aficionados, giving stylish expression to art and culture through music and
fashion. According to him, the focus on Jazz music really broadens its appeal,
particularly in Nigeria and across Africa, and introduces an innovative
franchiseinto
the Nigerian entertainment scene. He further assured that this year’s event
will be the biggest in its history as he promised to perform great songs from
Afrobeat King, Late Fela Kuti.
Also
present at the press conference were
Heavywind, Tosin Alao, Xerona Duke and host band, Sweet Sound.
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