Lagos to host world’s largest Jazz Orchestra in October
By Tosin Brown –
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, a 28-piece ensemble regarded as the biggest jazz orchestra in the world, will perform in Lagos State in what has been tagged a historic night of music.
Legendary trumpeter and nine-time GRAMMY Award winner Wynton Marsalis will lead the ensemble to headline Runway Jazz ’25 – Timeless Return.
The event is billed to take place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Landmark Concert Centre.
According to the organisers, the evening promises an extraordinary fusion of world-class jazz with Nigeria’s finest Afro-fusion performers, creating a cultural spectacle on par with global festivals.
Beyond the music, the event is being positioned as part of Lagos’ broader tourism and destination strategy. Organisers say the festival highlights the city’s ambition to cement its place as Africa’s cultural heartbeat and a global hub for premium entertainment.
“We are revving up the proposition of Lagos as a premium destination for business and leisure,” an official statement read. “Just as we are hosting the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, Lagos will also be playing host to the biggest jazz festival in the world. We are intentional in driving our destination proposition and extending our city’s footprints on the global tourism map.”
The concert is being supported by the Lagos State Government alongside other partners and is expected to draw a mix of international visitors, local jazz lovers, and cultural enthusiasts.
With Lagos also hosting Africa’s first electric powerboat championship in October, city officials say the timing reflects a deliberate effort to align Lagos with global cities known for blending business, culture, and lifestyle experiences.
