Bassist

Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo hails from the West African nation of Benin. Her striking voice, stage presence and fluency in multiple cultures and languages have won respect from her peers and expanded her following across national borders.  Time Magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2021.

Angélique Kidjo

Jay Paul Company Main Stage

The London-born, Lagos-raised, and New York–based audience favorite Michael Olatuja returns to Carnegie Hall Citywide with a free, Friday-night concert. As one of today’s most inventive bassists, Olatuja has worked with Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Angélique Kidjo, Shakira, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, Hugh Masekela, Terence Blanchard, Joe Lovano, and many others. He’s also a major presence in the bands of Broadway, films scores of directors like Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more. In this outdoor performance, he shares selections from his acclaimed Lagos Pepper Soup album and brand-new songs that blend energetic Afrobeat, jazz, and funk into what Olatuja calls “a zesty, sonic stew that honors the ancient Xulu word umbuntu, which means, ‘we are all connected.’”

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Carnegie Hall Citywide: Michael Olatuja and Lagos Pepper Soup

Bryant Park

Bassist Michael Olatuja performs music from his release of Lagos Pepper Soup: his spectacular blend of West African Afrobeats and jazz “Cinematic Afrobeat,” backed by a string orchestra, arranged by iconic film music arranger Dave Metzger, the top orchestrator for Disney, with an International All-Star cast featuring: Angélique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves, Brandee Younger, Lionel Loueke, Regina Carter, Joe Lovano, Laura Mvula, Gregoire Maret, and Becca Stevens.

Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup

Joe's Pub

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of vibrant Afrobeat and jazz with Michael Olatuja's "Lagos Pepper Soup" concert, presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center. This captivating performance is set to take place on the lush lawns of Caramoor in Katonah, NY, on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 7:00 PM.

Drawing inspiration from his hometown of Lagos, Nigeria, as well as his birthplace of London and his current home, New York, Michael Olatuja, a renowned composer, bandleader, and bassist, brings to life his latest album, "Lagos Pepper Soup." The album is a cinematic Afrobeat masterpiece, blending hard-hitting Afrobeat rhythms with jazz influences for a high-energy musical experience. Attendees are invited to join Michael and his band for an evening that promises not just music, but a journey through a rich tapestry of sounds that embody the spirit of Lagos, London, and New York.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating to enjoy this concert on Friends Field, with picnics welcomed to enhance the communal and relaxed atmosphere of the event. In case of inclement weather, the concert will move to the fully covered Venetian Theater, ensuring the performance goes on, rain or shine.

Adding to the evening's allure, attendees have the option to join the Bedford Riding Lanes Association (BRLA) for a gentle, pre-event hike starting at 4:30 PM, offering a perfect blend of music, nature, and community.

Michael Olatuja's "Lagos Pepper Soup" features an international all-star cast, including Angelique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves, and many more, backed by a string orchestra arranged by the iconic Dave Metzger. This concert is not just a performance but a celebration of Olatuja's spectacular blend of West African Afrobeats and jazz, marking a high point in his career as one of the most inventive bassists of the century.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the warmth, energy, and flavors of Lagos Pepper Soup, a musical feast for the senses, at Caramoor this summer.

Michael Olatuja

Bassist

Events

Past events

Aug 10, 2024

Angélique Kidjo · San Jose Jazz Summer Fest

Jul 26, 2024

Carnegie Hall Citywide: Michael Olatuja and Lagos Pepper Soup · Carnegie Hall

Future and recently performed repertoire

Bass in Lagos Pepper Soup by Olatuja

Caramoor

About

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