Jazz buffs, the world over, are not in consonance on the true definition of jazz. The contention is that nobody can satisfactorily define jazz because anyone who was capable of doing so would leave so much out of its real essence. But there is an agreement that no other art form can give the satisfaction of spontaneous interaction like jazz. Perhaps because it is regarded as a special skill that has brought pleasure to millions of people throughout the world, jazz is generally regarded as music made by and for people who have chosen to feel good in spite of prevailing conditions.

Despite the fact that tension is mounting inside the Star Fame Land where six bands are slugging it out to see who emerges Nigeria’s next biggest and brightest band on the platform of Star Quest, they put aside their collective anxiety to make themselves feel good. It was Jazz Nite at Star Fame Land. The contestants were alerted to their unusual routine of the day with a note pasted on the wall which traced the history of jazz back to the days when “Our fathers used local instruments to dish out golden tunes after a hard day’s job. Now, it has hit the international scene and seen as music for the mature mind.” Continuing, the note mandated the contestants to “Take us down memory lane, remind us of the great past and the ingenuity of our fathers. It is time for jazz…..U can come up with an original jazz song or remix an existing one. Get to work, explore the jazz in you.”

Without much ado, the bands went into brainstorming sessions, ideas started dropping like rain and creative minds started engaging themselves as they argued for and against ideas. Then, they hit the rehearsal studios for fine-tuning and perfecting sessions. As dusk settled on the Fame Land, the contestants, garbed in their fineries, some with mock chalk lines on their faces to depict graceful ageing, gathered on the lush lawn. There was a surfeit of drink to bring out the star in them. Then, Oxygen set the ball rolling, singing about heartbreak and its concomitant pains; it was a feel-good, jazzy performance no doubt. Even if the aptitude of Hurricane would not be termed totally very jazzy, their bluesy, Jazz song laced with Yoruba lyrics, made the other contestants rock and sway. For Jukebox and Spotlight Crew, there was no contesting that they were at home with any genre of music. Also, the Sapphire Blue and Ace Vibes did not disappoint, though the latter preferred to pantomime. Wart and all, the bands made viewers realize that jazz will endure just as long as people hear it through their feet, not necessarily through their brains. The contestants did not end the day without felicitating with Vera Chukwudi of the Ace Vibes whose birthday it was.

Now that judgment day is nigh, the bands are soliciting the votes of Nigerians and followers of the show scattered all over the world to keep the votes pouring in on their behalf.