Lagos Jazz Series debuts!

Brain behind the initiative Oti Bazunu explained that the idea was conceived to calm the frantic state of the city. He said “Lagos is a wonderful city, full of life and energy. But it can get a bit frantic. So, we conceived of The Lagos Jazz Series to cool things down”. The event which has […]

Brain behind the initiative Oti Bazunu explained that the idea was conceived to calm the frantic state of the city. He said “Lagos is a wonderful city, full of life and energy. But it can get a bit frantic. So, we conceived of The Lagos Jazz Series to cool things down”.

The event which has been organised to hold in three preliminary stages will give select audience a taste of performances by master jazz artistes from the Americas, Europe and Africa in venues across the city.

Bazunu said “we’re inviting some of our favourite Jazz musicians from all over the world to come and play for us in intimate and exciting venues. Since they’re coming, we might as well put on a bit of a show and invite all of you, our favourite people, to attend.

“The Lagos State Government has kindly offered us the beautiful Muri Okunola Park for the 7th. Our friends at the Sofitel Moorehouse are hosting the musicians and the opening event on the 5th. On the 6th, the Federal Palace Hotel has opened their lush waterside grounds to us and the German Consulate is hosting a jazz breakfast on the 7th and  Noble Hill is providing great wines and Lufthansa is flying in the artists. The show is coming together and it’s going to be wonderful,” Bazunu added.

Randy Weston is an American pianist, composer and band leader, identified as a great promoter of the African roots of jazz with what is described as a missionary zeal encompassing the vast rhythmic heritage of Africa. Weston has been said to have “the biggest sound of any jazz pianist since Ellington and Monk, as well as the richest most inventive beat.”

California native, Morrie Louden, is famous for his rise on the jazz charts which drew the attention and accolades of jazz legends with the release of his album Time Piece in spring 2007.

Simone, daughter of legendary icon Nina Simone, is a dynamic and charismatic vocalist, songwriter, and performer whose ability to transcend genres honors the remarkable legacy of her mother. Blessed with a rich vocal range and an innate gift for lyrical interpretation, Simone’s resume includes starring roles on Broadway in such acclaimed musicals as “Rent” and “Aida”.

Nigeria’s saxophone icon, Mike Aremu and one of Nigeria’s biggest known for the peculiarity of his creative sounds which express the depth of his passion and cultural roots is one whom prospective guests are looking forward to watch.

Internationally acclaimed 12-piece Jazz band leader, Ayetoro will be performing alongside his master and tutor the renowned composer and pianist Funsho Ogundipe.

“The collective’s members are all established musicians in Lagos, Accra and London, with a rhythmic fluidity that bridges the gap between Afrobeat and Jazz with reflections on the past and present of both genres.”