RUNWAY JAZZ 2025 – “TIMELESS RETURN”
A Historic Celebration of Music, Culture, and Diplomacy in Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria – Lagos, the city of dreams and rhythms, is set to host one of the most iconic
cultural events of the decade as Runway Jazz 2025 returns with the powerful theme,
“Timeless Return.” On Sunday, October 5th, 2025, the world’s attention will turn to the
Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, where music, culture, fashion, and diplomacy will
converge in a spectacular celebration.
This year’s edition is more than a concert — it is a historic homecoming for global jazz in
Africa’s most vibrant metropolis. Lagos, long known as the cultural and entertainment capital
of Africa, is a city that never sleeps, where music has always been the heartbeat of the people.
From the days of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, to the bustling highlife scenes of the 1960s, and
the global rise of Afrobeats today, Lagos has stood as a stage where Africa speaks to the world.
Hosting the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (New York), led by the legendary Wynton
Marsalis, is therefore not just an event, but a testament to Lagos’ status as a world capital of
music and culture.
A Lineup of Global and Local Icons
On stage, the audience will be treated to world-class performances by the Jazz at Lincoln
Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, alongside global icons Weedie Braimah, Shenel
Johns, and Herlin Riley.
They will be joined by Nigerian musical greats including:
• Yinka Davies – the timeless voice of Nigerian jazz and soul.
• Made Kuti – carrying forward the Afrobeat legacy with a new generation’s energy.
• Timi Dakolo – Nigeria’s golden voice, blending gospel, soul, and contemporary
brilliance.
• Xerona & Dele Philips – a dynamic musical duo showcasing creativity and originality.
Adding to the celebration of style, global fashion icons will grace the runway, merging high
fashion with timeless sound in a dazzling fusion of creativity.
Voices of Leadership and Culture
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., and Nigeria’s Honourable
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, will join dignitaries and
cultural icons in a powerful display of cultural diplomacy and international collaboration. This
gathering underscores the role of Lagos as a city where nations meet, where art builds
bridges, and where music speaks louder than politics.
The Chief Host, His Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State,
expressed the city’s pride and readiness:
“Lagos is prepared to host the best jazz orchestra in the world. This is more than a concert —
it is a celebration of our heritage, our hospitality, and our global standing as a cultural
powerhouse.”
Adding her voice, the Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture & Tourism, Mrs. Toke
Benson-Awoyinka, noted:
“We are preparing to receive our distinguished guests and show them the amazing city called
Lagos. From our rich cultural traditions to our modern vibrance, Lagos will be unforgettable.
We have lined up experiences that showcase the best of who we are — a city alive with
rhythm, resilience, and creativity.”
Also speaking, Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture,
remarked:
“Runway Jazz has always been a platform that tells the Lagos story — a story of culture,
innovation, and world-class talent. The 2025 edition, with its theme Timeless Return, is yet
another reminder that Lagos is the cultural heartbeat of Africa and a global destination for
the arts.”
The Convener of Runway Jazz, Ambassador Afolabi Oke, highlighted the immense effort
behind this year’s edition:
“Bringing Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to Lagos is a dream that
has taken years of dedication, planning, and collaboration. Runway Jazz has always stood for
bridging cultures and generations, and 2025 will be our most remarkable chapter yet. This is
a gift to Lagos, to Nigeria, and to Africa — an event that will be remembered for generations.”
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Sunday, October 5th, 2025
Venue: Landmark Centre, Water Corporation Road, Victoria Island, Lagos
Time: 5pm – Red Carpet
Since its inception, Runway Jazz has symbolized the fusion of style, sound, and sophistication,
positioning Lagos as a cultural destination of global repute. The 2025 edition, themed
“Timeless Return”, is set to be a landmark in Nigeria’s cultural calendar — a night of elegance,
diplomacy, and unforgettable music.
Runway Jazz 2025 is not just an event — it is history in the making.
This is Lagos, bold and timeless. This is the return of jazz to Africa’s grandest stage. And
truly, this is an experience no one should miss.
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