British Soul legend, Omar, often cited as the godfather of British neo-soul will be gracing the stage at the 2016 edition of the Lagos Jazz Series, the 7th in the series.
Omar, full name Omar Christopher Lye-Fook was born on October 14, 1968 and received an MBE in 2013 from Prince Charles for services to music. His 1990 hit, There’s Nothing Like This from the album of the same title is considered a classic of the genre.
Omar, former principal percussionist of the Kent Youth Orchestra and later graduate of the Guildhall School Of Music in London has collaborated with heavy hitters like Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu and Angie Stone.
Announcing the line-up, Oti Bazunu, convener of the Lagos Jazz Series said “this year’s edition will be very exciting. We have an eclectic mix of very interesting artistes. We have two amazing and refreshing bands from Cape Verde headed by Lito Coolio and Lizenda Da Cruz. Their blend of Morna music infused with reggae is fresh and amazingly different.
Then there is Omar, the British neo soul legend who will bring his unique blend of soul music to Lagos. Maka is a Naija home-grown artist with a fresh approach and flavour. Other acts on the line-up include guitarist, Hamish Stuart from The Average White Band as well as the Lagos Jazz Series Quintet and a host of others.”
The Cape Verdean contingent will be bringing alive the music and song of Cape Verdean Grammy winner, Cesaria Evora, whose music and quirky stage performance put Cape Verdean Morna music on the global musical map.
The Lagos Jazz Series has played host before now to Mos Def now known as Yaasin Bey, Marcus Miller, rapper M.I, soul singer Bez, rapper Jesse Jagz and Seun Kuti amongst others.
This year’s edition will take place at two venues, Muri Okunola Park on Friday November 25 and The Moorhouse Sofitel Hotel Ikoyi on Saturday November 26. Guests will be treated not just to good music but to Catuma, a special bubbly wine making its Lagos debut.
“Open air music was not popular when we started the Lagos Jazz Series,” Oti Bazunu says wistfully. “But see how we changed the game and this year we continue with our tradition of daring to think differently and Lagos will see, feel and hear that difference.”
