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 franchise into 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.
