LAGOS JAZZ SERIES 2011 comes to a close

If you weren't there then you definitely were square. it was a night few would forget in a hurry. 

The music, the fun, the people - camaraderie and singing, Hugh Masekela... that's an honour a lot of people may never receive the opportunity again.

The good news is that this promises to be a yearly event.

take in the pictures, who knows, you might just see someone you know.

Eyo Festival - Lagos 2011 by Erica Ogbor

 Yesterday 26^th November 2011, residents around Obalende area of Lagos state were seen walking bare foot. You might be wondering why.  The Eyo festival people.

At this point is important to state some of the do not's of the Eyo and they include no footwear, no caps/headgears, no ‘suko’ (piled un-top of the head) hair styles, no umbrellas, no smoking, no motorcycle/bicycle and definitely no chewing sticks.

Guests were thrilled with music from Fatai Rolling Doller and his group the Faji  Agba  group.

This age long traditional event that was marked at the Tafa Balewa square in Lagos state had several dignitaries in attendance some of which were Professor Wole Soyinka, the first military Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, members of the State Executive counsel , members of Lagos State house of assembly, the Executive Governor of Lagos state Babatunde Raji fashola and his father.

History has it that Orisa Oniko and Ologede were first brought to Lagos, because they were reputed to have spiritual powers capable of driving away all evil spirit and forces on their way. Adamu Orisa was the last to be brought to Lagos but was regarded as been more sacred than the other Orisas and the eldest.

The Adamu Orisa play continued in Lagos after its establishment with the three Orisas and as the only set of masquerades. In other to protect the Orisas and control the Surging crowds the idea of EYO in white flowing Agbada was conceived with the approval of the Oba of Lagos,  six were allocated to each of the Orisas for their security. 

Eyo Laba group thus became the head of all Eyo groups and chief police led by Ikolaba i.e “the carrier of Laba” a bag containing mystical powers.

Today we have five Eyo orisa groups namely Eyo Adimu, Eyo Laba, Eyo Oniko, Eyo Ologede, Eyo Agere, (orisa Ogere is a latter addition to the Adamu  Orisa play. Till date excluding the Orisas, Eyo Laba remains the head of all Eyo groups and the official Eyo of the reigning Oba of Lagos.

The event ended at about 4:30 pm but the Eyo group was still found parading around the arena and prosecuting those who went against their rules.

LAGOS JAZZ SERIES - EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH HUGH MASEKELA

 “This year, LJS promises a Jazz outing that has never been experienced in Nigeria. The reason we decided to go the extra mile to blend Nigerian acts with their international counterparts is to ensure that those willing to attend the show get a taste of what jazz music is all about.” says Oti Bazunu, spokesperson for LJS.

Venues for which the series will feature performances include Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Moorhouse Hotel, the picturesque Lagos Motor Boat Club, Muri Okunola Park and the exclusive German Consulate Garden; a demonstration of jazz’s ability to bring people together regardless of the continental boundaries.

DATE                           TIME                             VENUE

NOV. 25, 2011           7PM                     THE MOORHOUSE (SOFITEL)

NOV. 26, 2011            8PM                    LAGOS MOTOR BOAT CLUB

NOV. 27, 2011            2PM                    MURI OKUNOLA PARK

ARTISTE BIOGRAPHY

Hugh Ramopolo Masekela, at 72, is widely regarded as an icon in the world of jazz. Hugh, influenced by the Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis age of Jazz and Fela’s Afrobeat, has produced enduring bodies of work including “In the Market Place,” “African Secret Society” and “Coal Train (Stimela),” numbers he still performs today.

Hugh continues to maintain a very active tour schedule, spreading his musical message of peace, harmony and unity throughout the world. He can also be heard adding his distinctive voice and flugelhorn to many other world artists' recordings - from some of Bob Marley's earliest recordings to Buena Vista Social Club bassist Cachaito Lopez's 2001 solo record.

Lagos Jazz Series is supported by Promasidor, CBO Capital Partners, Delta Airlines, Four Points Sheraton, the German Consulate, Mercedes Benz, the Guardian and Classic/Beat FM. Follow LJS on Twitter @LagosJazzSeries or join the Facebook Group, www.facebook.com/lagosjazzseries, for more information on tickets and the event schedule.

LAGOS JAZZ SERIES 2011

For all you jazz lovers out there, it has been confirmed that the outdoor event will boast of internationally acclaimed Jazz figures; Hugh Masekela, Vladyslav Sendek and Morrie Louden. West African acts include Cobhams Asuquo, Efya, Somi, Tiwa Savage, Sesu and a host of other surprise artists.

The event is scheduled as follows

Thursday 24th November, 7pm @ Four points Hotel
FREE admission

Friday 25th November, 7pm @ The Moorhouse Hotel
Tagged: Jazz by the poolside
N10,000

Saturday 26th November, 7pm @ Lagos Motorboat club
Tagged: Jazz by the water front
N15,000

Sunday 27th November, 2pm @Muri Okunola Park
Tagged: Jazz at the park
N2,500

At the press briefing held yesterday at Sofitel, The Moorhouse Hotel Oti Bazunu, founder of the Lagos jazz series explained that the series came about because he felt that Lagos needed to be redefined in the way 'we' enjoy ourselves.

The festival started last year and is slated to become a yearly event. The festival was described as a culmination of really talented African artists and it proves that jazz transcends all boundaries. It isn't for only a certain kind of people.