For the very first time, Key30 Orchestra is performing the songs of Africa for a Saskatoon audience.

Funmi Oyatogun is the organizer of The Great African Jazz Orchestra Concert. She says the event is an opportunity to honour the musical legends of Africa and offer the people of Saskatoon something they may have never heard before.

“It’s a jazz orchestra, right, it’s music that people in Saskatoon can relate to, can enjoy, whether or not they’re familiar with the originals. It will give people a great experience, a musical experience, and just showcase the diversity of talent in the arts that we have.”

Ticket holders can expect high-energy afrobeat and highlife tunes from Africa’s, and more specifically Nigeria’s, golden musical era from the 60’s to the early 90’s, all conducted by one of the only Black conductors in Canada, Oluwaseun Soneye.

“It’s the same instruments. It’s winds, woodwinds, horns, keys, and percussion, but the style of music is quite riveting. It’s quite different than what people might expect,” Oyatogun explains.

The event doubles as a celebration of Nigeria’s 65th year as an independent nation. The show takes place on September 5th at Elim Church. Tickets are available enchantedconcerts.com.