XP News: Saudi to Host International Jazz Festival in Riyadh Feb 7-9th

The Saudi Music Commission is set to launch the inaugural Riyadh International Jazz Festival in Diriyah from February 7th to February 9th.

The lineup will feature 10-time Grammy award-winning superstar Chaka Khan, aka ‘The Queen of Funk’, Australian jazz-funk band The Cat Empire, TrapHouseJazz’s pioneer Masego, along with the soulful Australian quartet Hiatus Kaiyote, and British saxophonist and composer YolandDa Brown. The three-day festival will also showcase a slew of burgeoning MENA talents including synthpop sensation Fulana, Garwasha, and Bahraini Afro-Khaleeji band Majaz.

In addition to the main acts, the festival will have a Jazz Cafe as a side stage, where renowned clarinetist Peter Long and his orchestra will be delivering a soul-stirring live performance.

The Riyadh International Jazz Festival will be held at the Mayadeen Theatre, with doors opening at 6 PM. Ticket prices start at SAR120 and can be booked through the Saudi Ministry of Culture website here.