R&B legend Lionel Richie is coming to Dubai to headline the Dubai Jazz Fest happening in 2020.
Singer, songwriter and even actor, Richie will headline the second day of Dubai’s infamous jazz event. Taking centre stage at Dubai Media City’s Amphitheatre, Richie will belt out a number of classics like ‘All Night Long’, ‘Hello’, and ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’.
Richie, who is now 70 years old, reached infamy when his R&B band, The Commodores, reached its peak in the late 70s and mid-80s. The soul band produced hits like ‘Easy’, ‘Three Times a Lady’, and ‘Nightshift’.
The band between 1978 and 1986 was nominated for five Grammy Awards and bagged one. The group was awarded ‘Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance – Duo, Group or Chorus’.
Richie left the band in the 80s to go solo, going on to win the Grammy for Album of the Year for 1983’s ‘Can’t Slow Down’. He also went on to co-write ‘We Are the World’ with Michael Jackson which sold more than 20 million copies and garnered another Grammy.
At Dubai Jazz Fest, Richie will be supported by the jazz fusion band Spyro Grya. Richie’s second day headlining joins Lauryn Hill who will be headlining the first day, and Bruno Major who’s supporting.
This isn’t Richie’s first appearance in the Emirates. Back in 2014 he performed at the very same Amphitheatre in Media City, a performance which got rave reviews. Again in 2016, the soul legend performed at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The National points out that Richie is setting up to make a little tour around the region. The singer has recently revealed he will sing in Saudi Arabia between February 20 and February 22 at the Winter at Tantora festival.
The three day jazz event has in the past drawn in talent such as Alicia Keys and Snow Patrol. It will run from February 26 till February 28 with a headline act each day. The third headliner is yet to be announced.
Check out the event here.
