Great Adamz Announces Ife Sax as New Music Director for The 99 Band

Great Adamz has officially announced saxophonist Ifeoluwa Joshua Awonugba, professionally known as Ife Sax, as the new Music Director for The 99 Band.

Renowned for his powerful tone, sharp musicality, and commanding stage presence, Ife Sax has become a defining force behind Great Adamz’s live sound. His performances on major stages — including the BBC Introducing Stage at Latitude Festival, Music Barn Festival, and Northampton Music Festival — have consistently stood out for their energy and precision. His contributions were instrumental in the band’s Rhythm & Poise Performance of the Year Award win, further cementing his growing reputation within the UK live music circuit.

Beyond the festival stage, Ife continues to expand his footprint across UK media and performance platforms. He recently appeared on the BBC Friday Night Show with Hand Gell, reinforcing his status as one of the most in-demand live saxophonists on the scene. In the studio, he has supported leading Afrobeats and UK pop artists and producers, delivering live saxophone arrangements that add depth, texture, and expressive character to recordings.

As Music Director, Ife Sax will oversee the band’s musical direction and live arrangements, shaping each performance into a cohesive, tight, and memorable experience.

Speaking on the BBC Friday Night Show with Hand Gell about the upcoming Valentine’s Day performance, Ife Sax shared his excitement for what lies ahead:

“The 99 Band has loads of talented instrumentalists, and we’re working hard to give Northampton a very interesting and promising intimate Valentine’s show on the 14th of February with Great Adamz.”

The full BBC interview is available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002q6m4

About Ife Sax

Ife Sax began his musical journey as a pianist before expanding into the saxophone, a path he has pursued for over nine years. His versatility as a multi-instrumentalist plays a key role in his effectiveness as Music Director, allowing him to understand artistic intent from both a performance and arrangement perspective. He describes his roles as complementary, combining musical interpretation with leadership to deliver what the artist envisions.

Artist Statement

Great Adamz praised the appointment, stating:

“Ife is incredibly multitalented and naturally carries the discipline, creativity, and leadership this role demands. He’s the perfect fit to lead the musical direction of The 99 Band.”

Connect with The 99 Band & Ife Sax

For updates on upcoming performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and new announcements, follow The 99 Band and Ife Sax on Instagram:

– The 99 Band: https://www.instagram.com/the_99band_

– Ife Sax: https://www.instagram.com/ifesax_