Accomplished percussionist, singer, songwriter, producer and Festival Director Vinx De’Jon Parrette is bringing an edition of his International Serenade Festival to the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra on February 3, 2024.
The California-born American performed in Accra in 2006 and 2011. This time, he has arrived with a package that allows musicians to celebrate the power of love through what they do.
Apart from Vinx performing on the night, patrons will also get to hear featured acts like Loretta E, Purple Haze, Decate Zion and Shelley Nicole. They will all be backed by the GHJazz Collective with additional musicians.
Vinx says the International Serenade Festival, apart from being an avenue for mentoring and discovery, is also a chance for young creatives to connect with other artists. Previous editions had been held across the United States and Europe. It took a break when COVID-19 set in and is back, for the first time in Africa, with a Ghana edition.
“Our festivals are held in locations that inspire with their history, beauty and ambience. Talented artists perform romantic songs in a variety of settings. I have always been in a great position to discover rising stars and great artists who are at all stages of their careers,” says Vinx who has travelled and performed in many music festivals around the world.
His debut album, ‘Rooms in My Father’s House’ was released in 1991. He has worked with first-rate artists like Sting, Cassandra Wilson, Taj Mahal, Stevie Wonder, Crystal Waters and Tracy Chapman.
He’s also led his bands – Extreme Heat and Jungle Funk- in the past. Vinx taught for over a decade at the famous Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts.
The man said he had travelled quite widely in Africa but did not feel so much at home till he came to Ghana and met some great personalities.
“Vinx is a brave adventurer as far as music is concerned. He always knows what he is about,” said Nana Narko Ackah-Yensu, a member of the +233 management team.
“We have hosted him before and happy to have him with us again. We are all looking forward to a great time with him and the rest of the billed acts on February 3.”