This week, Nigerian Jazz maestro Mike Aremu officially announced plans to hold the third edition of Sax Appeal, the series of live music shows he started in 2009. And as usual the show promises to top the list of concert-goers’ favorites.
“All is set for this year’s edition of Sax Appeal and it promises to be one night you will never forget, To those that were at the event last year, I promised to bring Kenny G on board and it is my joy to announce to you that he will be performing in Nigeria for the first time this year’’ an excited Mike Aremu says on Tuesday June 7.
And as fans and music lovers gear up for the event that has been tagged “The Jazz show of the year”, the organizers have confirmed the full set of acts (from four countries: Nigeria, South Africa, the United States and England) getting set to perform at the third edition of Sax Appeal.
To perform at this year’s edition are- Judith Sephuma, Yolanda Brown, Kunle Ayo, Waje, Mike Aremu, Kenny G and a surprise international act. Remember how Sephuma thrilled guests at last year’s edition, proving to Nigerians that she had a sense of humor when she intentionally stated “I love Sex Appeal” instead of “I love Sax Appeal”?
Recall how Aremu and friends thrilled guests with call-and-response, pantomime, dance and acapella last year?
Aremu, himself a widely- travelled performer and crowd says there’s plenty in the pouch this year; and that he and his friends are getting set to deliver the show of the year
As expected, this year, there is every possibility that Yolanda Brown, Mike Aremu and Judith Sephuma will replay last year’s performance on a large scale.
It was a beautiful sight to see at Shell Hall Muson Centre on Saturday July 24, 2010 as they went all the way with their saxophones – blowing non-stop; messing around with the instrument to the delight of the fans. Aremu even executed a sax call-and-response session with Tosin Martins, ending the set with an elongated play that earned him unrestrained applause.
What will they be up to this year? Sax Appeal 3 will hold at the New Expo hall Eko Hotel in Lagos on Sunday July 3, 2011 and will feature multiple MOBO award winner Yolanda Brown, talented Nigerian artiste Waje, South Africa-based guitarist-performer Kunle Ayo and Grammy award winning American and Saxophonist Kenneth Gorelick (Kenny G).
Born on June 5, 1959, Kenny G has long been the musician many jazz listeners love to hate. A phenomenally successful instrumentalist whose recordings make the pop charts, Kenny G’s sound has been a staple on adult contemporary and smooth jazz radio stations since the mid-’80s, making him a household name. Kenny G is a fine player with an attractive sound.
This is the first time Kenny G will be performing in Lagos, Nigeria, a city where he has millions of fans and followers. Aremu, himself was in the US last week to finalize talks with Gorelick’s management team.
Sax Appeal, a concept of Mike Aremu Vision which is geared towards the Rebirth and Promotion of Live Musical Performances in Nigeria also aims at creating a platform for interaction between Sponsoring Organization, Corporate Executives and Entrepreneurs coming together under an Entertainment Friendly Environment.
‘’Music fans who appreciate the quality of live musical performances will be thrilled by the collection of the finest musicians we are putting together this year’’ said Mike Aremu.
Past editions have featured Bez, Tosin Martins, Judith Sephuma, Cobhams, Yolanda Brown, Kunle Ayo, Yinka Davies and Mike Aremu.
What distinguishes Aremu from every other saxophonist across the country has been his ability to retain his energetic performance; hitting notes non-stop with his sax and displaying a dexterity that is spell-binding. Aremu has a vast understanding of how to display with the saxophone. It’s the tool of his trade, and he has mastered how to work it from A-Z.
Produced by Mike Aremu Vision and Supported by Classic FM, The Beat 99.9 FM, Naija FM and BHM Group, the gig will be anchored by stand- up comedian Tee- A.
