GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Singer, songwriter, producer and Grammy Award winner, Chaka Khan is the final confirmed act for this year’s fourth annual Cayman jazz fest, November 29th-December 1st 2007.
Once compared with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan has released 20 albums to date and become an icon for women around the world with tracks such as “I’m Every Woman” and “Ain’t Nobody”.
Her first international music debut occurred in 1973 as the lead singer of the band, Rufus, and throughout her music career she has collaborated with a variety of musicians including Mary J. Blige, Michael McDonald, Prince, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder.
More recently, Chaka Khan released her poignant and honest autobiography, “Chaka! Through the Fire”, as well as her first new music studio project in 10 years, “Funk This”.
The line up will also feature jazz luminaries, Brian McKnight, Diane Reeves, BeBe Winans and Monty Alexander alongside accomplished musicians Alex Bugnon, Musiq Soulchild, Mike Phillips and Joe – each bringing their own smooth and soulful voice to serenade guests at this year’s popular event.
“This is by far the best line up we’ve had so far,” said Shomari Scott, Deputy Director of International Marketing at the Department of Tourism. ”The talent secured this year will help us to reach a wider cross section of visitors and local residents with each performer bringing his, or her, own unique style and loyal fans to the event. Of course, we’re still keeping true to the smooth jazz genre with great acts such as Monty Alexander, Alex Bugnon and Mike Phillips.
“The fact that Chaka Khan has recently released her new album means that Cayman jazz fest will benefit from the added exposure given to the singer and her music; Chaka Khan is already promoting the Cayman Islands as one of her upcoming tour dates,” continued Mr. Scott. “We look forward to the best festival turnout to date and increased local support for what I know is going to be an amazing event.”
Cayman jazz fest is organized by the Department of Tourism in partnership with BET J. Other sponsors include DMS Broadcasting, Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa, Comfort Suites, British Caymanian Insurance, Breezes by the Bay, Cimboco, Chicken! Chicken!, Tropicana Tours, Tropical Shipping and Red Stripe.
