REDTV, an online lifestyle channel supported by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, 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 April 30, 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 a press conference held in Lagos at the weekend, Creative Director, Red TV, Obinna Okerekeocha, said the partnership will afford REDTV’s teeming viewers and lovers of contemporary jazz the opportunity to experience a world-class 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 at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre are some of Nigeria’s finest entertainers including Waje, Yinka Davies, Dede Mabiaku, Heavywind, Tosin Alao, Xerona Duke and host band, Sweet Sound.
“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
Afrobeat musician and one of the star performers from Nigeria, Mabiaku, added that 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 creator, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
