Exclusive Photos: Review of Capital Jazz Festival, Abuja, day 1

If there's one thing the Capital Jazz Festival can be applauded for, then it is for the strides attempt made to correcting the common notion that jazz music is an 'old people's' thing. This is aptly evident in the kind of crowd that was present at the festival, which included kids, youths and adults. It is important to note that youths, or better still, 'young people', constituted majority of crowd, and from their high participation at the event, it was clear they enjoyed the show.

Although the event did not take off at the stipulated time (which I may add is quite common with social events, especially in Abuja), once it started, it raised and sustained a momentum of excitement, fun, relaxation and appreciation for the event. The befitting stage which was well lit, only came alive once performers graced it.

 Adaora of AIT, Abuja, who was the jazz festival host, revealed another side of her we've never seen before, as she performed a jazz rendition of the song title; When the Saints go Marching in, immediately after the opening performance by Tomi Sax (who by the way, treated the crowd to a soulful jazz piece; You Raise Me Up).

 

The floor was already charged as Adline Owens came onto the stage to perform, looking like an African queen in a two-piece Ankara outfit. Kiral took her turn on the stage, dressed in a black outfit, leaving Moses Audu to do spoken words recital and a rap number.

Ed iZycs, Jazz Artiste and Video Director, had the crowd perplexed and spell-bound as he joggled playing two or more instruments simultaneously.

Aramide came with her band and as it is expected, she gave her usual Aramide fire power. Her Guitarist put up a performance reminiscent of  the famous Guitarist; Carlos Santana. They poured out their hearts passionately through their music as Aramide allowed the crowd a sense of belonging through her call and response rendition.   

    

 

Christine Kamua from Kenya was not left out as promised as she performed on the trumpet, with Timi Dakolo coming right up after her. He enthralled the audience by opening with Wish me Well. In a bid to show love to an already excited crowd, he came off stage to join them making a semicircle of crowd about him as he performed popular songs like Bob Marley's One Love, Lionel Richie's Stuck on You, Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing, Don't Want to miss a Thing by Bryan Adams, John Legend's All of Me, Iyawo Mi, etc.  

Etuk Obong, Trumpeter, who came from South Africa for the show, closed the stage for the event only after telling personal tales with his performance.  The event which took place on the 19th of November at the Sarius Palmetum Garden, Maitama, also allowed for business as vendors sold foods, drinks, clothes, jewelries, among other things to guests.


 It can be said that the first half of the Capital Jazz Festival accomplished the goal it set out for with a quality presentation, with hopes high for an even better experience, today, the 20th of November.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo credits: Marsh Imagery