6th Annual Sankofa Jazz Festival

The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (AHCAC) welcomes the public to the sixth annual Sankofa Jazz Festival on Saturday, April 3, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event celebrates jazz and welcomes the AHCAC’s alumni and the greater community to reconnect on the historic grounds of Liberty City’s AHCAC, 6161 NW 22nd Avenue, Miami, at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Moonlight Way. General admission for this event is $20 per person and $50 for a group of 4. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance at https://6sankofajazzfest.eventbrite.com.

The sixth annual Sankofa Jazz Festival, hosted by Hot 105.1’s Rodney Baltimore, is a part of the Center’s community outreach program. The outdoor event is a platform used to maintain the rich history of music of the African Diaspora, while introducing local and emerging artists. Strict rules, including social distancing and required face masks, will be enforced to keep the public safe.

This year’s event will honor the legacy of Miami’s own, legendary jazz musician and composer Melton Mustafa, Sr. during private renaming ceremony of the Center’s concert hall.

The “Sankofa Jazz Fest” lineup includes:

• Chris Walker – This year’s headliner. Singer, composer, musician, and producer, Chris Walker is most known as Al Jarreau’s musical director, co-vocalist and bassist. He has played with jazz greats such as Ornette Coleman, Art Blakey, Bob James, Jimmy Heath, Cassandra Wilson, and R&B songstress Regina Belle.
• Jesse Jones, Jr.– Jesse Jones, Jr. is a saxophonist extraordinaire, an international recording artist, and a native of Miami, Florida. A phenomenal reed player, Jesse will pay tribute to his late brother, Melton Mustafa, Sr. Jesse is technically a virtuoso on the alto, soprano and baritone saxophone, as well as flute. He combines the hard-bop influence of Cannonball Adderley, the funk of Hank Crawford, and the sweetness of Paul Desmond. His latest single “Cabbage Alley” is available on music platforms.
• Nikki Kidd – Nikki Kidd is an international jazz vocalist with a palpable passion for music. Nikki’s accolades include working with acclaimed artists Gloria Estefan, Michael Bublé, KC and the Sunshine Band, Aloe Blacc, Thelma Houston, Mary Wilson, Shannon and Jennifer Holiday, and Cory Henry with the Nu Deco Ensemble.
• Cachita Lopez – Cachita López is a culturally influential singer, known around South Florida for her seamless fusion of styles and musical genres and her dynamic performances. She is particularly known for her jazz and traditional Cuban repertoire. She has graced the stage and studios with the likes of Gloria Estefan, Arturo Sandoval, Negroni’s Trio, Jose Feliciano, Edwin Bonilla, Natalia Gimenez and Idina Menzel

This event will be a celebration and safe, family-friendly affair. Festival goers must purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Strict rules, including social distancing and required face masks, will be enforced to keep the public safe.