“Where have you been all my life?” That’s one of the likely reactions after being entertained by the V4tex Band.
The Dubai-based band comes highly recommended. First, it is inspired by a living legend in music production, Quincy Jones, who is famously responsible for putting together the sounds that made the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, a global icon. The second point to note is that this set of distinctive musicians ply their trade out of one of the most wonderful hospitality establishments in the world, the Palazio Versace in Dubai.
While it is common to write about things and events in Dubai in magniloquent words, since almost everything is purposely created as phenomenal, but V4tex without doubt, has earned its stars. Last January, the leader of the band, Dante Kennedy who also doubles as CEO of V4texx Music Group LLC;
Entertainment & Music Director
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for the Palazzo Versace Hotel Dubai hit a significant note that set him apart when he reached his 400th performance in the Middle East country.
As the story goes, the Palazio Versace invited Quincy Jones to create a self-styled bar and lounge inside its complex. Of course, it goes without saying that music was going to be a huge part of that plan. Jones reached out to Kennedy, a move which says a lot about his reputation because it takes a lot to earn the respect of Quincy Jones as a professional musician. By choosing Dante, Quincy Jones was putting his good name on the line.
Thankfully, he has not regretted that decision for close to two years now; night-after-night, as satisfied audiences keep coming back for more entertainment.
Don’t worry about the mix of figures and alphabets in its name. The name of the band is pronounced “Vortex.” The keyboardist, Emmanuel is from Nigeria. Mr.Segs plays the saxophone. He is also from Nigeria. The guitarist, Ajayi can play a couple of other instruments, as well. He is another Nigerian. Dante plays the drums and other percussion instruments. He completes this dynamic quartet that is changing the nightlife of Dubai. Dante explained, the almost all-Nigerianess of the band, “Having these musicians from the same nationality was not planned. Before Ajayi, the newest member of the band joined us, we had a Kenyan and before him, a Cuban, playing the guitar.”
Versatility is a common trait of V4tex as the band rises to the challenge of diverse tastes for music from audience members at every performance. The capabilities of his team has never failed said Dante. “What we do every night is determined by our perception of the kind of people sitting around the table in the room. We celebrate the evening based on the kind of people sitting in the crowd. If they want to dance, we have to play something danceable or they just want to sit down and listen with their glasses of wine, we are capable of doing that as well. The band is so versatile in its delivery .”
Dante captures the changing scenario of the entertainment scene in Dubai. “The entertainment scene in the UAE is very good. There is growth because of individuality and we can collectively do in the entertainment sector within the country. The people in the entertainment business have come together to create a good foundation.”
Dante has found more than one opportunity in Dubai, while the band is performing, he is also filling a void in administrative and the business side of music. “So many people are coming to Dubai to perform but they are missing that other portion like licensing, contracts and different things. You are not going to give away your hard earned material that you recorded in the studio for free to companies that are earning revenue off your hard work. So, I am trying to make some awareness and business out of that.”
At the end of the day (more like end of the night), all Dante wants to do is just paint the nightlife of Dubai red “by doing whatever it takes to make sure that everyone is happy.”
Given the fact that it is a four-piece aggregation of accomplished multi-instrumentalists, it could be mistaken for a full orchestra. Experiencing the band is such an impactful feeling that endures and longs for an encore.
