SAFAR: Keziah Jones delivers soulful Riyadh debut blending blues, funk at SAMoCA

Nigerian singer-songwriter Keziah Jones made a powerful Riyadh debut on Wednesday night, delivering a soulful and high-energy performance that marked a major highlight of SAFAR, the ongoing outdoor concert series hosted by the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax (SAMoCA at JAX), Diriyah.

Presented by the Saudi Museums Commission under the Ministry of Culture, the show brought Jones’ globally acclaimed ‘Blufunk’ style — an arresting blend of blues, funk, soul, and African rhythms — to a captivated Saudi audience for the first time.

With his signature percussive guitar work, smooth charisma, and genre-bending improvisations, Jones moved seamlessly between driving funk, introspective blues, and intimate storytelling. His setlist combined fan favourites with fresh variations, drawing on Yoruba musical influences while weaving in elements of jazz and rock.

For many in attendance, it was a first encounter with the Blufunk pioneer’s distinctive sound — and the crowd responded with enthusiasm, underscoring SAFAR’s mission to introduce diverse musical voices and spark cultural exchange through live performance.

SAFAR, which runs until December 2025, launched on 28 October with an energetic performance by French collective Bon Entendeur, known for blending electro-chill, disco, funk, and hip-hop influences into immersive live experiences.

The series continues next month with the acclaimed audio-visual duo Love & Revenge, who return to Riyadh with a workshop on Sunday, 7 December, followed by a performance on Monday, 8 December at 9:00 PM at the SAMoCA at JAX Outdoor Arena.

Their show, Agmal Layali, reimagines the legacy of legendary Arab singer Oum Kalthoum, remixing iconic songs with contemporary electronic soundscapes and cinematic visuals. The performance marks the 50th anniversary of Oum Kalthoum’s passing and aims to introduce her timeless artistry to a new generation while honouring Arab cultural heritage.

SAFAR forms part of SAMoCA’s broader programming aligned with BIENALSUR 2025, offering a cultural platform that fosters connection, dialogue, and creative exchange through music.