The 10th anniversary of the Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF), dedicated to the late international Jazz icon, Hugh Masekela, recorded a success with the large turnout of Lagos State government officials and stakeholders in the entertainment industry.
Jazz vocalist, Gloria Ibru; Afrobeat sensation Dede Mabiakwu; King of sax, Mike Aremu, Mystical Orliam, Zestful Damilare Sax, sensational bassist, Wole Jesutomi, Jazz crooner, Seun Beckley and a host of others stormed the stage respectively to thrill the audience at the popular Freedom Park.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Lagos State, Mr Steve Ayorinde led a delegation from his ministry including the special adviser to the Lagos State Governor on tourism, Mrs Aramide Giwason and several directors to grace the event.
A representative of one of the major sponsors of the festival, Sovereign Trust Insurance (STI) plc, Head of Brand Communications, Mr Segun Bankole, led a team to the event. A leading arts and culture advocate, Jahman Anikulapo, also attended the festival.
The founder of the festival, Ayoola Sadare, said: “We are thankful to God for this event and the opportunity to mark the 10th anniversary of the Lagos International Jazz Festival on International Jazz Day, though we had a few challenges in the years we couldn’t host it, we are back on track to ensure it’s a continuous yearly Arts & Culture fiesta in the City of Lagos.
“The opportunity to also honour Hugh Masekela is not lost on us. As the father of African Jazz, he deserves all the accolades he got both alive and on his passing. We are also grateful for the support we have got over the years from various quarters such as: the media, musicians, producers and many more. Our commitment still remains to make Lagos one of the leading Jazz destinations in the world,” he added.