Najee, Joss Stone headline Runway Jazz 2017

GRAMMY award winners, Najee and Joss Stone will headline the 2017 edition of Runway Jazz sponsored by the United Bank for Africa’s (UBA) owned REDTV.

Najee, an American, is a saxophonist while Stone, from the UK, is a singer-songwriter.

The duo will be joined by Nigerian acts including Dede Mabiaku, Waje, Yinka Davies, Heavy Wind, Tosin Alao, Xerona Duke and host band, Sweet Sound for the show that fuses jazz music with fashion.

Happening on April 29 and 30 at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, the event is part of the activities lined up for the Lagos @ 50 celebrations. The first day will feature a music and business master class facilitated by Professor George W. Russell Jnr, Chairman of the Harmony Department, Berkeley College of Music, Boston, US while the Runway Jazz Concert, featuring fashion by Lisa Folawiyo takes place the next day.

Speaking at a news briefing in Lagos,  Obinna Okerekeocha, Creative Director, Red TV, said the partnership will afford REDTV’s viewers and lovers of contemporary Jazz the opportunity to experience a world class Jazz concert in Lagos.

“With haute couture from Jewel by Lisa, and a runway show that captures the evolution of Lagos over the last five decades, Runway Jazz is the biggest and most unique music and fashion event to hit the Naija entertainment scene,” Okerekeocha said

Chief executive officer of Sweet Sound and show’s producer, Afolabi Oke, said: “the Runway Jazz activities this year have been heightened and elevated by two strategic partnerships. The first is with the Berkley College of Music, Boston, USA, which will present a music and business master class, and  the Lagos State Government as we team up to celebrate the remarkable Lagos@ 50.”

Oke also explained the choice of theme, ‘Promoting Peace, Unity and Dialogue through Art’:  “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,” he said.

Dede, who was also at the briefing, said “it is more than joy to be part of Lagos @ 50. It is a very special state with respect for the arts and artists.” He added that the event’s focus on Jazz music broadens its appeal, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa and introduces an innovative franchise into the Nigerian entertainment scene.

Xerona, daughter of ex-Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, spoke in the same vein. The lawyer turned musician said “it’s an honour to be part of this program. It is taking us to a higher level and earning us the respect we deserve.”

Heavy Wind and a representative of the Sweet Sound further assured that the outing will be worth the while for guests as did chief executive officer of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, who called in during the briefing.