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.
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