How we hooked Kenny G

Mike Aremu, the initiator of popular Jazz concert, ‘Sax Appeal’ has disclosed how he was able to get Grammy award winning saxophonist, Kenny G, to perform at this year’s show.

The 56-year-old American saxophonist will perform at the third edition of the event holding on Saturday, July 1 at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island. Aremu disclosed that, “Getting Kenny G was really easy, my team and I agreed on having Kenny G perform at the 2011 edition of Sax Appeal last year, and then we began speaking to our very good friends at Wave FM in California. Sometime this year, we got to speak to his management team, and then they agreed to come to Nigeria in July. A couple of meetings and exchanges and here we are.”

Tagged ‘The Jazz show of the year’, the concert will also feature MOBO award winning Briton, Yolanda Brown; South African Judith Sephuma and Kunle Ayo, a Nigerian guitarist based in South Africa. Aremu and singer Waje will complete the line up.

Aremu added on Kenny G’s participation. “It’s a privilege, and I feel honoured that Kenny G agreed to grant our invitation to perform at Sax Appeal, and all I can say is that this year’s event will exceed people’s expectations. Last year was really fun, we made sure people enjoyed themselves, as it was a night of quality music. I’m so looking forward to this year’s gig.”

Born in Seattle, Washington to a Jewish family 56 years ago, the trip will be Kenny G’s first to Nigeria.

Comedian, Tee-A, will anchor the show being supported by Classic FM, The Beat FM, Naija FM and the BHM group.

Artists including Bez, Tosin Martins, Judith Sephuma, Cobhams, Yolanda Brown, Kunle Ayo, Yinka Davies and Aremu have performed at past editions of the Jazz concert aimed at promoting live musical performances in Nigeria.

Aremu, who promised that guests will have a good time noted that, “Judith, Kunle Ayo, Tosin Martins and Yolanda were phenomenal last year, and our guests loved and enjoyed the show. It just goes a long way to show that our people love and appreciate good music. Everyone was there, from politicians to governors to entertainers, all the way to entrepreneurs which is the essence of ‘Sax Appeal’ — bringing everyone together through rich live music.” www.mannamart.com