Jamiroquai are the next major act announced for the 2019 Dubai Jazz Festival.
The UK funk group will headline the second of the three-night event on February 21.
They join the already announced Northern Irish rockers Snow Patrol, who will play the opening night on February 20.
The Dubai Jazz Festival’s third major act, to perform on February 22, will be announced soon.
Jamiroquai’s addition to the bill is not entirely surprising - the group have hinted a Dubai return back in June.
Speaking exclusively to The National from Morocco's music festival Mawazine, drummer Derrick McKenzie said the group planned to bring their funk odyssey to the UAE.
“Oh yes there are definitely talks to head back over there,” he said.
“It will be next year, as this year we are tied up with other shows, but we are making plans to head your way. We always have a great time playing in the UAE.”
Another member looking forward to a return is Sola Akingbola - the percussionist said he has fond memories of performing in Abu Dhabi as part of the inaugural Grand Prix in 2009.
“I remember just walking around that race track and checking out the race and I was like ‘this is crazy’.”
Jamiroquai's current world tour is on the back of their new album Automaton.
Released in 2017, their first new material in seven years has been critically acclaimed for its marriage of classic funk sounds with modern electronic music elements.
By the time Jamiroquai arrive in Dubai next year, they will be a well-oiled machine.
The group has been performing through the year, including a scintillating set at the mammoth US music festival Coachella in April.
The band worked the 100,000-strong crowd into a dancing frenzy with their string of hits, including the groove ridden Canned Heat and the cosmic pop of Virtual Insanity. Their set also included a special appearance by long-time fan Snoop Dogg.
While we can’t expect the US rapper to be appearing with them in Dubai, what is guaranteed is that it will be a funk-tastic evening, so bring your dancing shoes.
The Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival is at Media City Amphitheatre from February 20 to 22. Tickets range from Dh350 to Dh1,250. More info at dubaijazzfest.com, you can buy tickets here.
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Read more:
[ Snow Patrol announced as Dubai Jazz Fest 2019 headliner ]
[ The return of funk: Jamiroquai has plans for a UAE gig next year ]
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