Lagos jazz fest set to celebrate late Hugh Masekela

Plans are in top gear for the hosting of the 10^th anniversary of Nigeria’s premier jazz festival, the Lagos International Jazz Festival,LIJF, scheduled to hold on Monday, April 30, which is globally recognized as International Jazz Day.

The one day multistage event takes place at Freedom Park on the Lagos island. According to the organizers, the event dedicated in memory of the late music icon and father of South African Jazz trumpeter,Hugh Ramapolo Masekela who died early this year.

LIJF founder and festival director, Ayoola Sadare in a statement said “It’s with great pleasure that during our 10^th anniversary, we are able to honor the late international music icon, cultural statesman and father of South African jazz, Hugh Maleeka. Hugh was an inspiration to the jazz community both locally and globally. Although he never performed on the LIJF stage, we believe it's our duty to celebrate him for his achievements through his music. Even though he's no more, Masekela’s spirit lives on.” The maiden edition of LIJF took place in 2008, at Studio 868 in Victoria Island. It was headlined by South Africa’s award-winning Freshly Ground & UK’s Courtney Pine. The event, organized by Inspiro productions is part of the Lagos Tourism Arts and Culture Calendar.