Kunle Ayo and Phebean Lead Memorable LIJF/NAIJAZZ Debut

Music, culture, and hospitality came together in style as the inaugural edition of the LIJF/NAIJAZZ Super Sessions Residency made its debut at Dulles Restaurant & Lounge in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event drew a diverse crowd of music lovers, corporate executives, media figures, and culture enthusiasts eager to experience a fresh live music concept designed to bring audiences closer to performers.

According to the organizers, the residency is intended to extend the legacy of the Lagos International Jazz Festival by creating a more intimate setting for live performances and meaningful interactions. The initiative is a collaboration between Lagos International Jazz Festival/Nigerian Jazz Project (LIJF/NAIJAZZ) and Inspiro Productions.

Adding weight to the evening was the presence of veteran broadcaster and music historian Benson Idonije, widely known as the first manager of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and grandfather of Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Burna Boy. His attendance underscored the event's connection to Nigeria's rich musical heritage.

Speaking on the vision behind the residency, Ayoola Sadare, founder of LIJF/NAIJAZZ and CEO of Inspiro Productions, said the project aims to create a space where quality music, hospitality, and genuine human connections can thrive side by side.

The night began with performances from ECA and Seun Glorious, setting an energetic tone for the audience. Soon after, Phebean The SaxoQueen took centre stage, delivering a smooth and emotionally rich saxophone set that instantly won over the room.

However, the biggest moment of the evening arrived when internationally acclaimed guitarist Kunle Ayo stepped onto the stage. Riding a wave of anticipation generated by several media appearances ahead of the event, Ayo delivered a captivating performance that reportedly stretched close to two hours.

His set transformed the venue into a celebration of live music, drawing multiple standing ovations and keeping guests engaged well into the night.

For Dulles Restaurant & Lounge, the successful launch was about more than entertainment. The venue sees the residency as part of a broader effort to position itself as a destination where premium dining, hospitality, and cultural experiences intersect.

Representing Dulles management, Dolapo Akinpelu said the enthusiastic response from attendees demonstrated a growing demand for curated cultural experiences in Lagos.

With a strong opening edition now behind it, the LIJF/NAIJAZZ Super Sessions Residency appears set to become a notable fixture on the city's cultural calendar. Organizers have confirmed that the event will return on the last Saturday of every month, offering Lagos audiences another opportunity to experience world-class live music in an intimate setting.