TheCable

Jermaine Jackson, co-lead singer of global music brand, Jackson 5, and elder brother of late king of pop Michael Jackson, has confirmed his readiness to participate at the star-studded Jazz concert scheduled to hold in Lagos.

The concert, put together by the Lagos state government, is in commemoration of the 2016 International Jazz Day and is to be hosted by Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of the state, at the Lagos House in Ikeja on Saturday.

Jackson said he would be at the festival to support the government and the array of international and local artistes billed to perform.

Jermaine, who is in Nigeria as part of activities marking the Jackson Golden Africa Tour, also disclosed plans by the Jackson 5 to establish a music academy in Nigeria to nurture and prepare the talents in Africa for global market.

“It’s been 50 years for the Jacksons and we are bringing a team together of people who can produce a concert. I like coming here because I have a lot of questions,” he said.

“We are going to give you nice compilation of songs that you know and I am just very honoured to be here.

“We need to have a closer relationship with African-American and the rest of Africa because we have been separated for long and we can reach out to do other things.

“There are lots of great talents here and we want to use our 50 years experience of being in the business to teach the arts. We have in our plans to establish Jackson Academy Performing Art School and the school will have a curriculum and also will teach music, directing, film, lightening, producing, dancing and so on. We want to get the talents here ready for the global market and I do believe that the drums and the beat started from here.”

Steve Ayorinde, commissioner for information and strategy, expressed delight in receiving the visitors to the state.

While hosting celebrities, Ambode had said earlier in the week that the Jazz festival will surpass the South African edition.