Nas Celebrates 30 Years of Music at Nice Jazz Fest
- Rapper Nas celebrated 30 years of his music career at the Nice Jazz Fest.
- The festival was held in August and featured a diverse lineup of artists.
- Nas, the son of trumpeter Olu Dara, performed on the opening night of the festival.
The Nice Jazz Fest has shifted its dates this year, moving from its traditional late July slot to August 20-23, in order to accommodate the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. This change has allowed organizers to revamp the festival, which has been a staple since its inception in 1948. The event, previously held in the Cimiez arenas, now takes place in the Albert I garden, opposite the Promenade des Anglais, and has been rebranded as Nice Jazz Fest. In addition to the main venues, the festival has introduced new features, including the "Kind of Blue" village for jam sessions and a kid's club to entertain younger attendees. This year's lineup promises a diverse array of performances, showcasing not only renowned jazz artists but also prominent names in international hip-hop. The festival kicked off with performances from Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few and San Diego's The Sacred Souls, who previewed tracks from their upcoming album. Highlighting the festival's eclectic nature, hip-hop legend Nas headlined the opening night, delivering a retrospective of his career rather than a repeat of his iconic 2004 Central Park concert. Accompanied by DJ Green Lantern and drummer Haze Amaze, Nas captivated the audience at Place Masséna, supported by nostalgic video footage from the "Soul Train" show. The festival's innovative approach aims to enhance the experience for both jazz enthusiasts and new audiences alike.