FUNKE OSAE-BROWN
The 1950s fashion is billed to meet Jazz music come April at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, Nigeria. Tagged Runway Meet Jazz, the event aims to harmonise the classy worlds of Jazz music and fashion.
Speaking at a media meeting to announce the event on Thursday, Afolabi Oke, executive director, Runway Jazz said the 2017 edition is to commemorate the Lagos At 50 celebration and the annual UNESCO mandate to celebrate International Jazz Day.
“Last year which was the maiden edition, we invited Kirk Whalum, who was in Nigeria for the first time. He visited Fela Anikuapo’s shrine. He said Fela’s music influenced his life. The event is about celebrating our culture,” he explained.
According to him, this edition will be more better as the Lagos State Government will be hosting the event on the 30th of April.
“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. The theme for this year is ‘Promoting Peace, Unity and Dialogue Through Art.”
In addition, he said there will be a masterclass on music and business which is powered by the Berklee College of Music, Boston, USA, and will be facilitated by George W. Russell, a professor of music at the college on the 29th of April at the Eko Hotel.
Foluso Phillips, chairman, Phillips Consulting, explained his firm is supporting Runway Meet Jazz as part of its corporate social responsibility. “We are a firm that is very indigenous and proudly African. Lagos was a place that was safe when I was growing up. We would run around. It was a very happy place. When I think of my growing years, I think of all the inter school competitions. The Runway Meet Jazz is a good combination for Lagos at 50,” he said.
Speaking via a tele conference, Tony Elumelu, chairman, UBA Group, said he is looking forward to seeing the performances at the event. According to him, music is an integral part of our culture. As a lover of Afrobeat, he said, he is looking forward to seeing Dede Mabiaku.
The event which is has REDTV as media partner is sponsored by UBA will feature American saxophonist, Najee, UK songwriter, Joss Stone, Waje, Yinka Davies, Dede Mabiaku, Heavy Wind, Tosin Alao, Xerona Duke, Sweet Sound and others.