Encomium
Saxophonist Mike Aremu and other talented jazz players will storm Abuja later this month for Sax Appeal Season 4. The show parades America born Jessy J, Kunle Ayo, Yinka Davies and others. Aremu spoke about this show and more in this interview.
Tell us about Sax Appeal 4, what are the expectations?
This is the first time it will be held in Abuja. It is going to be great. For the first time, we are having a female saxophonist from America. Also on parade would be Kunle Ayo from South Africa, Yinka Davies, Timi Dakolo.
Why did you decide to take the show to Abuja after it held in Lagos for three years?
We have always wanted to go to Abuja and Port Harcourt. We have a lot of requests from Abuja. Lagos, to me is a bit saturated. We have sold out outside Nigeria, why can’t we do that in Nigeria especially in Abuja which is the mainstream. We started Sax Appeal in 2009 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, which was 90 percent filled up, that encouraged us. Sax Appeal 2 at the Muson also sold out. Sax Appeal 3 we took it to Eko Hotel, the high and mighty came. So far, we thank God for the success recorded though we have not made our money, our drive at the beginning wasn’t money anyway.
Do you think the successes recorded in Lagos can be replicated in Abuja?
Yes, I believe so. People are yearning for this kind of music in Abuja. We also have artistes you don’t usually see at every concert, I believe that is our unique selling point.
How did you even come about Sax Appeal?
I was on tour with my band in 2008, we had a concert at the Jazz Cafe and it was sold out. I thought I should do the same in Nigeria and that was it. I wanted more people to appreciate jazz like hip hop. I have seen people pick up saxophone just by coming to our show, that kind of story drives me, of course we love the money.
How would you rate the show since it started?
We thank God, we are busy. Jazz is not a one off music. My first album was in 1999 and since then I have been busy.
When you started you were more of the gospel and now it seems that has faded away?
Music evolves every day, the gospel touch hasn’t changed. There are three things you can’t take away from my music – the God factor, the jazz factor and the African factor. I am not boxed into one corner, my music is for everyone, it doesn’t change my personality as a Christian.
How is your last album doing now?
Coat of many colours, is doing very well, it is just me evolving as a musician. I call it Coat of many colours because it paraded many artistes MI, Chidinma, Sasha, you have a taste of everything.
Why do you think jazz is not as popular as hip hop, rap and R & B?
Jazz has a select audience, it is a choice of music. We have the hard core jazz which is what people have problem with, we also have smooth jazz. You will be surprised the number of people who love jazz but they don’t look it. Every of our show has always been sold out, you will be amazed at the kind of people who are at the show. We are talking about music with content, no disrespect to other genres.
What is your plan to have a record label?
Having a record label is part of my vision. I also believe in mentoring to encourage people to achieve their dreams. Ayoola, Project Fame winner used to be my personal assistant, Victor Ademofe is a great trumpeter and wonderful performer. When you listen to these people, you will notice they have spent time learning the craft.
Back to Sax Appeal what informed the choice of Jessy J from America?
We wanted to bring another artiste. My manager was in London and met Jessy J, he recommended her and we invited her for the show. She has a Mexican background. She is a fantastic saxophonist. She has worked with Grammy winners. Her song was number one on the chart for a very long time.
The ticket is a bit on the high side?
It is not, it depends on the value you place on your money and the content of the show. So far, we don’t have sponsor and this is how we can pay for the event. Sometimes the money doesn’t get us all we want. I want to make money from Sax Appeal. The money will come later but the passion is what drives us for now.
– NIKE POPOOLA
