SAFAR: Nigeria’s Keziah Jones delivers soulful Riyadh debut blending blues, funk, cultural connection at SAMoC
By Citizenship Newspaper
The Saudi Museums Commission, one of 11 sectors under the Ministry of Culture, has presented Nigerian singer-songwriter Keziah Jones at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax (SAMoCA), as part of its SAFAR live music programme.
SAFAR is a ticketed outdoor concert series running until December 2025 at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax (SAMoCA at JAX), Diriyah
The programme runs as part of SAMoCA’s programming alongside BIENALSUR 2025
SAFAR Includes a diverse lineup of regional and international musical talent.
Performing in Riyadh for the first time, Jones captivated audiences with his distinctive ‘Blufunk’ sound, a fusion of blues, funk, and global influences in a set that was both high-energy and deeply resonant.
Known for his exceptional guitar work, distinct rhythms, and magnetic stage presence, Jones entertained the lively crowd by effortlessly moving between driving funk grooves to soulful blues passages and moments of intimate storytelling. The Blufunk pioneer’s setlist blended fan favourites with improvisational flourishes, drawing on his Yoruba heritage while incorporating elements of soul, jazz, and rock.
Jones’s Riyadh debut drew an enthusiastic audience, with many experiencing his genre-defying sound for the first time.
The evening embodied SAFAR’s mission to present diverse musical voices and foster cross-cultural dialogue through live music.
SAMoCA at Jax launched the SAFAR concert series on 28 October with an electric concert by French musical collective Bon Entendeur. Known for blending electronic / electro-chill sounds with disco, funk, and hip-hop influences, the group delivered a captivating performance.
The SAFAR programme continues with multimedia duo Love & Revenge, returning to the city with their unique blend of music and cinematic visuals. They will deliver a workshop on Sunday 7 December, before performing at the SAMoCA at JAX Outdoor Arena on Monday 8 December at 9:00 PM.
The audio-visual duo will perform Agmal Layali, a bold reimagining of Oum Kalthoum’s timeless legacy, marking the 50th anniversary of her passing. Agmal Layali remixes some of Oum Kalthoum’s most iconic pieces with contemporary electronic music, layered with cinematic visuals for a multisensory experience.
Love & Revenge’s performance bridges Oum Kalthoum’s unique, emotionally driven artistry with modern soundscapes, creating a cultural dialogue that introduces the Queen of Tarab to new generations while celebrating the Arab world’s cultural heritage.
SAMoCA at JAX is a hub for contemporary art and a platform for promoting best practices and groundbreaking artworks.
Dedicated to showcasing contemporary art from Saudi Arabia and beyond, the museum fosters cultural exchange, supports local artists, and encourages global dialogue.
Through exhibitions, residencies, and interactive programs, SAMoCA presents diverse artistic perspectives while providing a space for networking and knowledge sharing. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, it plays a pivotal role in positioning Riyadh as a thriving center for contemporary art and creativity.
Saudi Arabia has a vast history of arts and culture. The Ministry of Culture is developing Saudi Arabia’s cultural economy and enriching the daily lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.
The Museums Commission is one of 11 commissions under the Ministry of Culture. It was established in February 2020 to further the growth and development of the museums sector in the Kingdom.
The Commission aims to further develop and regulate the museums sector, create job and educational opportunities within the sector, and build international partnerships to facilitate the exchange of ideas, experience, and knowledge. ENDS
