The Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival 2014 has announced that legendary Latin-American act Santana will headline February’s nine-day musical bonanza.

The multi-award winning group behind songs like ‘Into The Night’, ‘Why Don’t You & I’, ‘The Game of Love’, ‘Maria Maria’ and ‘Smooth’ will top the bill, which already includes Jamie Cullum, Olly Murs, The Wanted, Stone Temple Pilots and Colbie Caillat.

Led by Carlos Santana, their back catalogue stretches back more than four decades and maintains a universal appeal. They have sold more than 100 million records, including the best-selling album by a Latin artist ever, “Supernatural”, which sold 27 million copies.

Speaking to Gulf News, frontman Carlos revealed his delight at returning Dubai four years after an appearance at the Dubai World Cup. He said: “I am really looking forward to this festival as we have been blessed with new musical themes and songs that we are presenting along with the vibrant musical history of Santana. We also leave space for what [jazz saxophonist] Mr Wayne Shorter calls ‘a backwards flip into the unknown’. That is the point in the set where we do not even know what we are going to play.

“The Santana Band brings a sincere energy which is very contagious. That energy and the high standard we bring compliments the audience in Dubai perfectly. We are really looking forward to going back. We love playing there!”

And on his jazz heroes, he added: “I also love Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and Tony Williams. There are too many to list.”

Organisers of the festival, which takes place between February 13-21, said: “By adding Santana to the list, we will have the biggest line up in the Middle East’s festival history with a mix of music genres that makes the Dubai International Jazz Festival an event for each and every one – satisfying all age groups and music preferences.

“This 12th edition is a step forward in taking the festival to the highest level following the worldwide jazz festivals in terms of numbers of events and acts. We will be unveiling a new event soon wherein this addition to the full line up will guarantee in delivering only the best of what live entertainment can offer.”

Tickets for the event at Festival Park, Dubai Festival City, will be available from November 15.