The first-ever Riyadh International Jazz Festival kicked off with a total bang and it’s safe to say that the event had a tremendous turnout.
The much-awaited Jazz Festival was set across three days, from February 7 to February 9, 2024, at the Mayadeen Theatre in Diriyah, Riyadh. The enthralling festival saw some of the world’s greatest artists headlining the scene along with emerging new talents that managed to get everyone present in a groovy mood. The atmosphere at the musical festival had left the crowd in awe as the region’s most exhilarating event commenced with vigour.
With the scene pulsating with the most invigorating sense of grandiosity, the hit festival presented three nights’ worth of performances for the books. Just to make sure you haven’t missed out on what was the music festival of the year so far, GRAZIA brings you five of the most unmissable moments from the Riyadh International Jazz Festival.
A Harmonious blend of cultures
As the Saudi capital embarked on its first-ever International Jazz Festival, it saw a unique blend of talents that surged from all over to globe to burgeoning local artists who showcased their talents on a global platform. All eyes were on Riyadh as the musical festival commenced to put the region on the map “as an emerging centre of excellence in global music” as well as exposing the world to all of the talented local creatives. It was a space where individuality, talents and soothing sounds were embraced on a global platform.
Chaka Khan Headlines the festival
On the second night of the festival, ‘Queen of Funk’ Chaka Khan lit up the stage with a performance that evoked a sense of liveliness and had the crowds feeling pumped. With each song more electrifying, her enchanting voice had everyone spellbound leaving the audience wanting more.
Artists from across the globe stun the crowds
Major artists lined up to put forth their best performances as this musical escapade took the capital city of Riyadh by storm for its first-ever inaugural. Artists like jazz-funk band The Cat Empire, Masego, saxophonist and composer YolanDA Brown, Australian neo-soul quartet Hiatus Kaiyote and London-based jazz ensemble Kokoroko all took to the stage to immerse the audience with a soulful blend of musical genres.
Peter Long’s SOULFUL Orchestra At the Jazz Cafe
Legendary Peter Long took over the Jazz Cafe setting with the most soulful set of musical symphonies featuring local budding artists like Nourah Sings, Mazen Lawand, Sarah Al-Shafie, Loulwa Al-Sharif and Abdullah Filfilan. Sarah Al-Shafie and Abdullah Filfilan came together for the first time to join harmonies with a blend of Jazz and Soul music, taking the audience on a magical journey of soothing melodies.
ARAB ARTISTS SHOWCASED THEIR TALENTS
The Riyadh International Jazz Festival called attention to the regional talents that deserved much-needed recognition by providing them with a space for all to admire. Saudi synth-pop artist Fulana, Saudi jazz fusion band Garwasha and Bahraini Afro-Khaleeji band Majaz stood front and centre for the world to revel in their melodic talents.
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