Saudi Arabia isn’t just shooting for the title of ‘new sports capital of the world’ but is now working toward being the entertainment capital of the world, period. It wasn’t long ago that Metallica, among others, took the stage at Riyadh’s Sandstorm Festival, and now Riyadh has just announced its first ever International Jazz Festival, taking place this weekend on February 7-9, 2024 at the Mayadeen Theatre in Diriyah (and just last weekend Jeddah hosted the first ever E1 Sports Racing Championship).
Race boats, race cars, heavy metal, UFC, boxing, and now jazz, are all one of many additions to the Kingdom’s rapidly growing cultural landscape, that will undoubtedly continue to grow as the fans, artists, and athletes flock to the flourishing landscape.
The line up will feature some of the most distinctive, era defining names in jazz and music, including ‘The Queen of Funk’ Chaka Khan, jazz-funk band The Cat Empire, ‘TrapHouseJazz’ pioneer Masego, and many more. And although this is the first official Jazz Festival, Riyadh has hosted several Jazz performances in the past at the Saudi Music Hub, all of which helped build up the local excitement to eventually set up an entire festival dedicated to the genre, summoning international talents, as well as championing local artists.
“The first Riyadh International Jazz Festival is a unique opportunity to host some of the world’s most renowned music artists alongside amazing Saudi talents,” said Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission. “It is an important step in supporting the development of the fast-growing music sector locally, whilst also putting Riyadh on the map as an emerging centre of excellence in global music.”
When asked about Riyadh’s affinity for Jazz, Pacifico noted, “There is a passionate Jazz scene in Riyadh – indeed we have hosted Jazz performances in the Saudi Music Hub in Riyadh and witnessed this fast growing and exciting scene as it has been developing. This festival is an amazing opportunity to elevate and accelerate that connection – to celebrate the great lineage of Arabic Jazz artists, as well as to bring the wider world of Jazz to our Capital.”
The festival is produced by the Music Commission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was established in 2020 to champion the country’s music sector and to excel its global recognition as one of the up and coming music hubs on the planet.
“Saudi is fast emerging as the world’s hottest new market with curious and open minded audiences, a deep respect for culture, and amazing stories to tell,” adds Paul Pacifico. “We look forward to welcoming the world to Saudi, and to sharing the dynamic and diverse musical cultures of Saudi Arabia with the world.”
Put on your zoot-suit, light a cigar, and channel your inner cool blue to the lineup below.
Wednesday February 7:
The Cat Empire
YolanDa Brown OBE
fulana
Thursday, February 8:
Chaka Khan
KOKOROKO
Majaz
Friday, February 9:
Masego
Haitus Kaiyote
Garwasha
Additional Festival Information
7-9 February 2023, 6pm-12.15am
Mayadeen Theatre, Diriyah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Day tickets start at 120SAR, with VVIP tickets offering access to the Jazz Cafe.
Tickets can be purchased online HERE.