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Carnegie Hall Citywide: Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup

An evening of cinematic Afrobeat

One of today’s most inventive bassists, the London-born, Lagos-raised Michael Olatuja has worked with Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Angelique Kidjo, Shakira, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, Hugh Masekela, Terence Blanchard, and Joe Lovano, and many others. He’s also a major presence in the bands of Broadway, films scores of directors like Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more. In this outdoor performance, he shares selections from his acclaimed Lagos Pepper Soup album and brand-new songs that blend energetic Afrobeat, jazz, and funk into what Olatuja calls “a zesty, sonic stew that honors the ancient Zulu word ‘ubuntu,’ which means, ‘we are all connected.’”

Additional media support for this performance is provided by WBGO.

Stream the performance live on Friday, July 26

Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America is a free outdoor festival that welcomes all New Yorkers to experience the city’s vibrant arts and culture. The series provides a platform for extraordinary artists and serves as a vital outdoor venue for a wide array of New York’s cultural institutions.

On the lawn