- Title: NIGERIA: Lagos jams to jazz under the stars
- Date: 29th November 2013
- Summary: LAGOS, NIGERIA (NOVEMBER 28, 2013) (REUTERS) JAZZ SERIES VENUE/ STAGE VARIOUS OF MI CASA, SOUTH AFRICA ARTISTE PERFORMING ON STAGE BAND MEMBER PLAYING THE GUITAR MI CASA WITH TRUMPETER PLAYING ON STAGE VARIOUS OF GUESTS DANCING (SOUNDBITE) (English) OTI BAZUNU, FOUNDER, LAGOS JAZZ SERIES SAYING: "After a while if we do it correctly, continuously the way we've been doing with a few blemishes here and there, if we continue to do it correctly then we become a holding point or a place where the international stars around the world will be looking to come for an event that is marked once a year or several times, Lagos Jazz series, series of the project; they will see us as a place to come to." VARIOUS OF BLACK MAGIC WITH HIS BAND PERFORMING ON STAGE VARIOUS OF BACK UP SINGERS SINGING VARIOUS OF GUESTS TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS (SOUNDBITE) (English) BLACK MAGIC, NIGERIAN MUSICIAN SAYING: "I think the main thing about the event is the live music all through, that's just great to me, not many events have proper... I mean there's live but proper live music, the environment, I mean you know, the location, everything is just great. The environment is great, the sound is great so I think we should do more of these kind of events, more of real music as opposed to just CD and stuff." BLACK MAGIC PERFORMING ON STAGE (SOUNDBITE) (English) ADE LAOYE, ACTRESS SAYING: "Well I didn't really know what to expect but when I walked in here I literally felt like I could be at a summer outdoor concert in Brooklyn, in New York or in some thing, like its really cool, the vibe is amazing, the first band just performed and they were awesome." (SOUNDBITE) (English) ZAINAB ABIOLA, LAGOS RESIDENT SAYING: "I've loved it actually, Mi Casa were awesome and I expected them to be, it's a shame they had to run off so quickly for a flight, the DJ is great and of course Black Magic, Black Magic I'm a big fan so it's good." GUESTS DANCING
- Embargoed: 14th December 2013 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Nigeria
- Country: Nigeria
- Topics: International Relations,People
- Reuters ID: LVA8RTSULYZ57TTFNNKG5ITLMFDC
- Story Text: Dubbed Nigeria's foremost jazz event, the Lagos Jazz Series attracts artistes from all over the world to perform in one of Africa's most eclectic musical destinations. Headlining the event will be 24-time Award winning Marcus Miller and a line-up of other acts including South Africa's, Mi Casa, Ghana's Efya, and Nigeria's own Ejay Black Magic. Organizers of the fourth edition of the annual Lagos Jazz Series hope to take jazz culture in the country to a new level and become Africa's next big jazz destination.
The event, which opened with performances from Mi Casa - the multi-award winning South African band that blends house and jazz music was held at a popular park in the sprawling city.
This the second time it is taking place outdoor since its inception as the organizers look to create the feel of an international jazz festival.
But guests only numbered over 100, a number Oti Bazunu, founder of the Lagos Jazz Series, says will grow once various organizational challenges in bringing in international acts are ironed out.
"After a while if we do it correctly, continuously the way we've been doing with a few blemishes here and there, if we continue to do it correctly then we become a holding point or a place where the international stars around the world will be looking to come for an event that is marked once a year or several times, Lagos Jazz series, series of the project; they will see us as a place to come to," said Bazunu.
This year's series will feature American jazz composer Marcus Miller, Ghana's Efya, Brooklyn based afrobeat band, Antibalas and many other acts.
The series is not purely jazz: like other international jazz festivals it is a combination of traditional jazz, smooth jazz, neo soul, rhythm and blues, afrobeat and hip hop.
Nigerian afrobeat-hip hop artist Black Magic, was the second act of day one.
"I think the main thing about the event is the live music all through, that's just great to me, not many events have proper... I mean there's live but proper live music, the environment, I mean you know, the location, everything is just great. The environment is great, the sound is great so I think we should do more of these kind of events, more of real music as opposed to just CD and stuff," said Black Magic at the show.
Nigeria already has a rich history of jazz music with legends like the late Fela Kuti who shot to fame in the 60's playing a unique blend of jazz and traditional music.
These days, the country's music industry is dominated by catchy hip-pop, high-life and reggae tunes.
Fans were thrilled to experience the varied tastes on stage.
"Well I didn't really know what to expect but when I walked in here I literally felt like I could be at a summer outdoor concert in Brooklyn, in New York or in some thing, like its really cool, the vibe is amazing, the first band just performed and they were awesome," said Ade Laoye, an actress.
"I've loved it actually, Mi Casa were awesome and I expected them to be, it's a shame they had to run off so quickly for a flight, the DJ is great and of course Black Magic, Black Magic I'm a big fan so it's good," Zainab Abiola, a Lagos resident.
While it has a long way to go to compete with gatherings like the Cape Town Jazz Festival in South Africa, which draws thousands of jazz lovers every year, organisers say the four-day event is growing steadily in popularity. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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