by crossriverwatch admin
The 2014 Calabar International Jazz Festival started in earnest yesterday with different artists thrilling the audience at the main bowl of the Cultural Center.
The city of Calabar came agog Friday as the second edition of Calabar International Jazz Festival kicked off with renowned jazz maestros such as Jimmy Dludlu from South Africa, Greek-born Salvador Sango, and Nigerian acts including Bez and Double Kinetic Crew serenading.
In what was clearly an added flavor to the Easter celebration, the 2500 capacity auditorium of the Calabar Cultural Center, venue of the four-day event, was electric as Cross River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, members of his cabinet, the state lawmakers, Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke and other jazz enthusiasts gyrated all night to a sumptuous dose of afro, contemporary and classical jazz tunes.
One of Africa’s finest and multiple award winner, Jimmy Dludlu, who was one of the main acts on Friday, broke protocol when he stepped out of the stage to the VIP lounge and literally pulling out the crowd including Governor Imoke to the dance floor.
From his albums, Echos of the past, Corners of my soul and Afrocentric, the jazz maestro thrilled the ecstatic audience to fabulous hit rhythms and dance steps of the legendary Michael Jackson.
Then came Greek-born Salvador Sango’s band who electrified the auditorium with an eclectic mix of African (Yoruba) music with various western styles, including the new genre called Afro-fusion.
Jos born, Lagos based singer, song writer and instrumentalist Bez, further mesmerized the audience especially the younger ones with his energetic and mind blowing songs and instrumentals.
Akwa Ibom-born 24 year-old, Eddy Izzycs held everyone spellbound, while wowing them with his uncanny display of multiple talents with flute, sax and piano.
Playing alongside the 2013 Project Fame contestant, Shina, Eddy thrilled the audience with excellent tunes occasionally punctuated by screams and applause.
There was also the cast of Double Kinetic Crew, another homeboy who flagged off the show with his sensational display of sax artistry.
The Calabar International Jazz Festival is an annual event packaged as perfect Easter break for lovers of jazz.
Others billed to perform at this year’s edition of the international eveends which ends on Easter Monday are Asa, Micasa Music, Kunle Ayo, Keyshia Cole, Darey, Liquideep,Gwyn Jay Allen, Hugh Masekela and Yinka Davies.
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