Lisa Simone to Headline Exclusive Jazz Event in Lagos This Easter
Lisa Simone Kelly, the acclaimed daughter of jazz icon Nina Simone, is set to bring her musical prowess to Nigeria this April. From April 5 to 6, 2026, she will perform at Oti's Jazz Bistro in Victoria Island, Lagos, in a two-day show titled 'The Legacy Now'. This event coincides with Jazz Appreciation Month, a global celebration of jazz as a historic and evolving art form.
Honoring a Jazz Legacy
Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in 1933, was a renowned pianist, singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. Her music blended classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and pop, with her piano style heavily influenced by baroque and classical composers like Johann Sebastian Bach. Despite aspiring to be a concert pianist and studying at Juilliard, she faced racial barriers, including rejection from the Curtis Institute of Music. She passed away shortly after receiving an honorary degree from the institute.
Now, Lisa Simone, born in 1962, has carved her own path as a Grammy and Oscar-nominated actress and musician. With a career spanning Broadway roles in productions such as Rent, The Lion King, Aida, and Les Miserables, she has earned nominations for awards like the Helen Hayes and Jefferson Awards. Her performance in Lagos marks a significant moment in promoting jazz in Nigeria.
A Hub for Jazz Enthusiasts
Oti's Jazz Bistro, located on Abimbola Awoniyi Close in Victoria Island, is described as a haven for jazz lovers seeking a relaxed atmosphere. The venue, founded by Oti Bazunu, aims to slow down the fast-paced Lagos lifestyle with smooth, soothing jazz music. Bazunu, a businessman and arts enthusiast, is best known for founding the Lagos Jazz Series (LJS), which for nine years brought international jazz stars to Nigeria and transformed public spaces like Muri Okunola Park into musical sanctuaries.
Despite challenges such as sponsor fatigue, Bazunu continues his mission to elevate Nigerian musicians. Through initiatives like masterclasses at the MUSON Centre, he has helped talents like trumpeter Etuk Ubong gain international exposure. With 'The Legacy Now', he seeks to revive the Lagos Jazz Series and spotlight jazz as a unifying genre.
Collaborative Performances and Cultural Impact
Lisa Simone will not perform alone; she will be joined by local talents, including music director Philip Uzo, a graduate of the MUSON music school. Uzo will lead a team to enhance the jazz offerings, ensuring a rich musical experience. Bazunu emphasized that the show is free and open to the public, aiming to promote jazz, support local artists, and establish Oti's Place as an exclusive jazz hub in Lagos.
Reflecting on jazz's influence, Bazunu noted its foundational role in modern music, citing Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who started as a jazz artist. "When you listen to Afrobeat, you feel the jazz," he said, highlighting the genre's global resonance.
Looking Ahead
Bazunu expressed excitement about hosting Lisa Simone, calling it a rare opportunity for Lagos audiences. "We're trying to use music to calm the tempo—the 'ra ra ra' of Lagos," he stated, underscoring jazz's potential to provide relaxation in a stressful city. With plans to bring back more international artists, Bazunu hopes to reignite Lagos's jazz scene and foster cultural connections through music.
