Lagos Jazz Festival to celebrate Lagos at 50

Since the festival's maiden edition in 2008, the Lagos Jazz Festival has undergone several changes and is now in its fourth year due to an extended hiatus. Planned as an annual celebration of jazz in Nigeria, however, held last year, where it celebrated Rashid Lombard, founder of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Lagos state, 50, and Idonije, 80, succeed Lombard as dedicatee of the festival.

Organisers Inspiro Productions also announced that the acclaimed percussionist Lekan Babalola will curate the event, which according to the festival’s organisers will focus on music education, and also feature the future of jazz in Nigeria by presenting jazz acts with promise to the festival audience.

To this end, the festival is inviting bands from music schools around the country to perform. Some of the invited schools are Span Academy of Jazz and Contemporary Music, 10 Strings Music Institute, The Peter King School of Music.

The invitation of the selected schools is a part of the mission of the Lagos Jazz Festival as it aims to provide an international platform for jazz and jazz-related performers in the city. The festival is also positioned as a jazz tourist destination.

Performers and a complete schedule of events to run during the festival will be announced.