The Nice Jazz Fest 2024 has once again confirmed its prestigious place on the international jazz festival circuit. With an eclectic lineup and unforgettable performances, this year’s edition brought together talents from around the globe. Among the artists who left a lasting impression were Jordan Rakei, Alfredo Rodriguez, Omah Lay, and Kareen Guiock Thuram. Each brought their unique musical style, enriching the festival’s diverse soundscape.
Jordan Rakei: The Elegance of Nu-Jazz
Jordan Rakei is a New Zealand-born artist based in London, known for his fusion of jazz, soul, R&B, and electronic music. Since the release of his debut album Cloak in 2016, Rakei has established himself as a rising figure in the nu-jazz genre, blending traditional jazz elements with contemporary influences.
Rakei’s performance at the Nice Jazz Fest 2024 was a deeply emotional journey, where his smooth voice and complex harmonies captivated the audience. Accompanied by a talented group of musicians, Rakei performed key tracks from his albums Wallflower and Origin. The audience particularly enjoyed his renditions of “Mind’s Eye” and “Say Something,” where the sensitivity of his lyrics and the finesse of his musical arrangements took center stage.
One of Rakei’s strengths is his ability to create an intimate atmosphere, even in a large festival setting. Through his melancholic melodies and syncopated rhythms, he captivated the Nice Jazz Fest crowd, offering a performance that was both introspective and universal.
Alfredo Rodriguez: Cuban Virtuosity
Alfredo Rodriguez, a prodigious pianist from Cuba, is a virtuoso whose talent was recognized by none other than Quincy Jones, who mentored him upon his arrival in the United States. Trained in classical music in Havana, Rodriguez later turned to jazz, where he skillfully integrated elements of Cuban music, American jazz, and classical influences.
During his performance at the Nice Jazz Fest 2024, Alfredo Rodriguez delivered a set that showcased his extraordinary piano technique and impeccable sense of rhythm. He performed tracks from his album Tocororo as well as newer compositions from The Little Dream. Each note played by Rodriguez seemed to be a dialogue with his Cuban roots while exploring modern musical territories.
The piece “El Güije,” with its Cuban syncopations and jazz improvisation, particularly stood out. Rodriguez also revisited jazz classics with a unique Latin touch, creating bridges between cultures and eras. His playing, imbued with an infectious energy, transported the audience, who applauded his ability to seamlessly transition from classical to improvisation while maintaining perfect cohesion in his performance.
Omah Lay: Afrobeat in the Spotlight
Omah Lay is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer who has quickly risen to fame thanks to his mastery of Afrobeat, a musical genre that combines traditional African rhythms with modern pop and hip-hop elements. With his distinctive style and captivating voice, Omah Lay has become one of the most sought-after artists on the contemporary African music scene.
His performance at the Nice Jazz Fest 2024 brought a burst of Afrobeat energy that electrified the audience. Omah Lay performed his hits like “Godly” and “Understand” with exuberant energy and a palpable connection with the crowd. His blend of catchy beats and infectious melodies transformed the festival’s atmosphere, adding a festive and danceable dimension to the event.
The audience was particularly responsive to “Soso,” a track that blends introspection with a catchy rhythm, showcasing Omah Lay’s ability to tackle deep themes while remaining accessible. His style, at the crossroads of jazz, pop, and African music, demonstrated that jazz could reinvent itself and be enriched by contact with other genres.
Kareen Guiock Thuram: A Powerful Voice
Kareen Guiock Thuram is a French journalist and singer who surprised many by revealing her talent for jazz. Although she is best known for her work on television, Kareen Guiock Thuram has proven that she has a place on the jazz stage thanks to her powerful voice and sense of swing.
During her performance at the Nice Jazz Fest 2024, Guiock Thuram charmed the audience with her interpretations of jazz standards as well as original compositions. Her warm and expressive voice resonated particularly in tracks like “Summertime” and “Feeling Good,” where she skillfully combined vocal technique with raw emotion. The audience was moved by her ability to embody the emotions of the songs, offering a performance rich in nuances and intensity.
Guiock Thuram also performed more contemporary pieces, blending jazz, soul, and Creole influences, reflecting the diversity of her repertoire and musical influences. Her appearance at the Nice Jazz Fest was an opportunity for her to demonstrate that jazz is not just about technique but also about soul and authenticity.
A Festival of Diversity and Talent
The Nice Jazz Fest 2024 was a true tour de force, offering the audience a variety of performances that highlighted the richness and diversity of jazz and its associated genres. From the nu-jazz elegance of Jordan Rakei to the Latin virtuosity of Alfredo Rodriguez, the Afrobeat energy of Omah Lay, and the vocal power of Kareen Guiock Thuram, each artist brought their unique vision of jazz, enriching the festival experience.
This mix of genres and influences showed that jazz is a universal language, capable of constantly reinventing itself while remaining true to its roots. The Nice Jazz Fest 2024 once again proved why it is one of the most respected jazz festivals in the world, offering a stage where tradition meets innovation, and where every artist can express themselves freely and fully.
