They play in the hottest club in Dubai, that was founded by the greatest producer of all time.
The band is V4texx, the club is Q club by Quincy Jones in the Palazzo Versace hotel in Dubai. Naihaps got an exclusive interview with the band, to find out why its full Nigerians and what opportunities the have for Kenyan artistes.
The band consists of Dante Kennedy the drummer and band leader, Emmanuel the keyboardist, Ajay on guitar and Mr Segs the saxophonist.
1. Why is the band full of Nigerians?
Dante: That was completely coincidental, my vice president of the band Emmanuel is Nigerian, we were looking for great musicians to join and they just so happened to be from the same country. Mr Segs our saxophonist is a legend back at home and has performed with many major artist. Ajay is the newest member to the V4texx Band and is a multi-instrumentalist. He is currently the Guitarist for The V4texx Band. Ajay is also producing, mixing and composing music production for his own projects and for Artists throughout the World.
2. How long have you guys played in Dubai and how is the music scene in Dubai?
Dante: I was recruited to Q Club by Quincy Jones himself and has played there since 2018, and I have played at least 400 shows at the club. Emmanuel has performed in the UAE since 2016 but joined V4texx in 2021. It’s still growing in this region, but music is a force that cannot be denied if presented in the right way.
3. You play at one of the most premier hotels and clubs in Dubai what kind of pressure that come with and how do you choose which songs with.
When we recruit a new singer to our residency, we ask them to send their repertoire. We then work with them to deliver something that both expresses who they are but also fits with the vibe of the club depending on day and time we are playing. There’s almost nothing we don’t play at Q Clubs from reggae, Mo town,
4. What opportunities exists for Kenyan musicians in Dubai and how can they take advantage of them.
Mr Segs: I was a very popular saxophonist back at home and I am even considered a legend, but I was not making money. I moved to Dubai so I can provide for my family, so I can say the pay here is much better and more stable.
Dante: The industry is still growing, last year I connected more than 30 artistes with opportunities in the UAE. There is a lot we can do here, but we just need to build the right networks and grow trust with them.
