By Ayo Onikoyi

An enchanted and truly pleased first-time attendee at the Abuja International AfroJazz concert organized by Salako which was held at the stunning Jabi Boat Club on Saturday, October 26, 2024, has summed up his experience, describing the night as a night of soulful rhythms spruced with electrifying performances.

He told Potpourri who was at the event, “I was filled with anticipation and excitement. The venue itself, with its picturesque views of the water and vibrant atmosphere, set the perfect stage for a night of soulful rhythms and electrifying performances.

“The line-up was impressive, featuring talents like the Melodic and Majestic Queen Rubunu, Energetic and very creative A’sian,, Prodigiously talented Moses Abdulkass, Effervescent Jessica Bongos, Ekundayo DBASS, Proficient Audun Aschim, Amazing Myke Wonder, and Salako.”

According to the thrilled guest, each artist brought their unique flavour to the stage, adding that there were a few standout moments that truly captured the essence of the evening.

He added that the entire event was not just music but a very unique one with performances by the artistes woven together by the master story telling by the enigmatic and poet extraordinaire Deji Ige.

“The prodigiously talented Moses Abdulkass delivered a breathtaking performance that resonated deeply with the audience. His mastery of blending traditional African sounds with contemporary jazz created an enchanting experience. The way he engaged with the crowd, inviting them into his musical journey, made it hard to resist moving to the rhythm.

“Salako’s two appearances were nothing short of spectacular. His charisma and energy lit up the stage, and the audience couldn’t help but respond with enthusiasm. The moment he performed his hit track “Wande”, the air was electric, and it felt as if time stood still. The cheers and applause that followed were a testament to the connection he forged with the crowd,” he said.

He said throughout the night, the atmosphere was convivial, with the audience exhilarated, dancing and swaying to the beats, eagerly calling for more as the concert reached its climax.

The Abuja AfroJazz Festival is not strictly a full-on Jazzy affair, rather a delightful mix of AfroJazz, alternative and electro music.

The 2024 event was in all senses memorable because of the headliner, the Norwegian Audun Aschim and the festival promoter, Tosin Salako who both met in Germany last year at another festival where both were performing and a friendship was struck which has culminated in Aschim coming to perform in Nigeria.