Joss Stone, Najee to headline Runway Jazz in Lagos

The event will take place at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, on 30 April.

The annual fashion and music show will bring the two artists together in what is an unprecedented pairing. The two-day event will also host a masterclass on music and business, with the organisers promising “one of the biggest events of the year”.

Last year’s first edition of Runway Jazz was headlined by Kirk Whalum, the Grammy-winning smooth jazz saxophonist. Among the event's highlights was a performance of classic songs by former governor Donald Duke, which drew cheers from the crowd.

Runway Jazz was established as part of events marking the annual International Jazz Day, which “brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact”.

Joss Stone’s Lagos appearance is part of a tour the singer has been on since 2014. Stone, whose real name is Joscelyn Eve Stoker, has already stopped over in several African countries. In January she headlined a show in Nigeria’s Anglophone neighbour Ghana. Stone is also an actress and has been nominated for a Grammy.

Stone’s co-headliner, Najee (born Jerome Najee Rasheed), has also been nominated for a Grammy. His 1986 debut album Najee's Theme was nominated in the Best Jazz Album category. His 2015 album You, Me and Forever spawned the single ‘Fly with the Wind’, which topped the Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart.

For more information on the 2017 edition of Runway Jazz, visit the event’s website.