LAGOS OCTOBER 27TH (URHOBOTODAY)-The entertainment scene in Bayelsa State will soon come alive, as Yenagoa, the state capital, plays host to a galaxy of jazz artistes from across the globe.
An incredible array of international stars will converge in Yenagoa to ply their trade in the first Bayelsa International Jazz Festival slated for December 7, 2013.
The jazz music fiesta with the theme ‘Rhythm of life’ is packaged by the Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency (BSTDA) as part of its strategic plan to promote tourism in the state.
Already, Hugh Masekela, and Somi, the Rwandan-born America-based jazz music superstar, has signed a performance contract with the agency.
At home, several other jazz artistes and a brass band from Cotonou will also be on hand to entertain jazz music lovers.
Director-general, BSTDA, Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, revealed that the festival is being organised to promote and further market a sustainable and responsible tourism in the state.
The Jazz festival, she said, “will provide a veritable platform to market the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of our people and a banquet of our hospitality.”
She noted that the Jazz festival will feature a two-part concert – one in the afternoon and the main event in the evening – and musical training session to equip Bayelsan youths for a career in the entertainment industry.
The DG disclosed that the agency is working with a consortium of entertainment consultants to ensure the success of the project.
She called on the private sector, especially the multinational companies operating in the South South region, to leverage on the festival to partner with the state government and also promote their products and services.
According to her, the jazz concert will be an annual event from next year, adding that it will be placed on the calendar of global jazz festivals.
The agency has launched a dedicated website, www.bayelsajazz.com, for the jazz festival for easy accessibility by interested persons.
She also said the agency will hold a world press conference to unveil the face behind the Bayelsa International Jazz Festival, just as she expressed profound gratitude to Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa for his commitment in transforming the state into a tourism destination of choice in Africa.
The DG had equally admonished Bayelsans to turn out en masse to witness the maiden edition of the jazz fiesta, as it will be one-in-a-lifetime experience.
Bayelsa youths who may be interested in a career in music have been asked to register for the training workshop before the date of the event.
“The essence of the training session is to build the capacity of our young stars in the entertainment industry.
“They have been advised to take advantage of this window of opportunity to develop their talents in the music industry, so as to be more competitive in their chosen field,” she said.
Source: Daily Independent