On the main stage in the Public Village at Doha Golf Club, British soul and R&B masters Soul II Soul and US hip-hop sensation Arrested Development will storm up a double treat as they play the joint headline slot this evening – the penultimate day of the 19th Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Soul II Soul, led by producer/vocalist/songwriter Jazzie B, started off as one of the most innovative dance/R&B outfits of the late ’80s, whipping up a charming, deep R&B that was inspired from Philly soul, disco, reggae, and ’80s hip-hop. Like Jazzie B told Steve Bloom in Rolling Stone, “We’re not a band. We’re a concept.”
In its bio on the group, Encyclopedia.com writes, “In the late 1980s Soul II Soul added their name to the impressive list of British music revolutionaries. Fusing influences ranging from Caribbean dub and reggae to West African drumbeats to American R&B and jazz, originator Jazzie B formed Soul II Soul as a venue for a variety of rotating musicians to join in performing in his new style of dance music.”
While the trailblazers of hip-hop Arrested Development, is known as much for its eclectic African clothing, diverse beats and pan-African lyrics as for its vibrant sounds and an uncanny ability to spread a special blend of “consciousness and musicality around the globe”, Soul II Soul stands out for not having a fixed lineup of musicians or just one lead singer.
Soul II Soul has sold more than 10mn albums in over 35 territories worldwide. Signed by Virgin Records in 1988, just one year later the band enjoyed huge global success with hit singles Keep on Movin and Back to Life (However Do You Want Me), the later topping the UK Singles Chart for four weeks. Throughout their 25-plus year career, the band has performed in over 20 countries, and appeared at some of the most famous venues in the world including Wembley and
New York’s Universal Ample Theatre.
 “The focus of the group comes from the songwriting, production, and arrangements of Jazzie B and the motto: A happy face, a thumpin’ bass, for a loving race,” the bio points out. Tickets are still available at Virgin Megastores (Online and in-store in Doha), Ticket Master, Time Out Tickets, Q Tickets, and Doha Golf Club. Community catches up with Soul II Soul’s frontman Jazzie B for a quick chat:
 
Is this your first time in the Gulf or have you performed in this region before?
Yes, we have actually. We were in Dubai around six weeks back. I had come here to Qatar in 2011 and the last time to UAE was sometime in 1989-1990.
 What is the most exciting part about your trip and performance in Doha that you are looking forward to?
I have been here for 48 hours. I have been to the Museum of Islamic Art and the Souq Waqif. It’s nice to get a sense of the place, and it’s obviously a lot calmer than Dubai. I find Doha culturally very interesting. I love culture and history.
 
Is there any place in particular you would like to visit in Qatar?
Unfortunately, I have another show back in the UK; we leave directly after the Doha show even though I would have loved to have stayed and explored it further. So that has to be the next time around.
 
Do you have any interest in Golf? Do you follow the sport?
Well, I have got a rusty handicap. I have played golf before on numerous occasions. I also live in the Caribbean in the island of Antigua and we have a few golf courses there. My cousin taught me and encouraged me to pick up golf as a younger man. It’s an interesting sport but I haven’t been practising, to be honest. So I am also looking forward to getting a few tips while I am out here at the event.
 
What is it about performing live across the world that you love the most?
I know we are very blessed to be able to do this, to entertain people. It’s always great to see people enjoying themselves and soaking up the music. We love to see happiness all around. With our concert, we hope our fans and the entire audience will take away some fond memories related to Soul II Soul.
 
Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming performance in Qatar? What can fans expect?
They can expect a happy face, a thumpin’ base, for a lovin’ race.