This week, KOKO is preparing to welcome the return of a “legend” as Wyclef Jean plays his first UK headline show in 15 years.
The Fugees founding member, solo star and superstar co-writer and producer plays the North London venue on Sunday, August 24 as he brings Karnivalé: One Night Only! To the capital.
Nick Lewis, head of music at KOKO, has told Music Week that the venue is “beyond excited” to have him back.
“The legendary Wyclef Jean created a moment to remember last November at KOKO, when he sang Hips Don’t Lie on stage to a packed out audience for a charity edition of Letters Live, with Cate Blanchett, FKA Twigs, Benedict Cumberbatch and Riz Ahmed all dancing on stage around him,” said Lewis. “The stars have since aligned and we’re beyond excited to be welcoming Wyclef back to KOKO for a one-night spectacle over Carnival weekend.”
“It’s been a joy working with Wyclef and his team on this show and the tie-in with Notting Hill Carnival is perfect, not least because of Wyclef’s Haitian nationality, but also with a big anniversary fast approaching for his classic record The Carnival,” Lewis added.
We have more plans in the pipeline for next year too, so watch this space
Nick Lewis, KOKO
With almost six million monthly listeners on Spotify, Jean’s latest single release was Distance, and there is more new music in the pipeline. Lewis revealed that more live activity will follow.
“It doesn’t seem possible somehow, but this will be Wyclef’s first headline UK show in 15 years, complete with a full live band,” he said. “Wyclef’s contributions to music are significant, both as a member of the Fugees but also as a producer and solo artist. We have more plans in the pipeline for next year too, so watch this space. Let the celebrations begin!”
Wyclef Jean has one UK No.1 single, seven Top 10s and 12 Top 40 hits to his name, with Shakira collaboration Hips Don’t Lie his biggest seller with 2,754,271 sales, according to the Official Charts Company.
Look out for more on Wyclef Jean in the next issue of Music Week. Read our 2023 interview with KOKO boss Olly Bengough here.
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