Last weekend saw another North Sea Jazz Festival come and go, with a string of performances from some of the greatest soul singers alive including Grace Jones, Solange and Mary J. Blige. The big event took place in Rotterdam across a number of stages at the Ahoy arena.

Grace Jones performs at North Sea Jazz Festival 2017Grace Jones performs at North Sea Jazz Festival 2017

At the top of the list were gospel veteran Mavis Staples and new wave legend Grace Jones - who are still rocking arenas at 69 and 78-years-old respectively. The former released her most recent studio album 'Livin' on a High Note' last year, and has since made guest appearances on songs like Arcade Fire's 'I Give You Power' and Gorillaz's 'Let Me Out'. Grace, meanwhile, hasn't released anything since her 2015 70s 'Disco' box set, though she did also appear on Gorillaz's 'Humanz' album.

Mavis Staples at North Sea Jazz FestivalMavis Staples at North Sea Jazz Festival

For the most part, the North Sea Jazz Festival was a blast from the not so distant past with 90s and early 2000s artists like funk group Jamiroquai, hip hop trio De La Soul and R&B singer Mary J. Blige. 

Rotterdam introduces Mary J BligeRotterdam introduces Mary J Blige

We've heard new material from all three of them in the last year, what with Jamiroquai's critically acclaimed 'Automaton', De La Soul's Grammy nominated 'and the Anonymous Nobody...' and Mary's Capitol release 'Strength of a Woman'. 

Jamiroquai among North Sea's big namesJamiroquai among North Sea's big names

Beyonce's talented sister Solange Knowles was another highlight, continuing her reign as one of the best R&B singers in the charts at the moment on her A Seat by the Table Tour. She won a Grammy earlier this year for Best R&B Performance for her hit single 'Cranes in the Sky'.

Solange marks a highlight for North Sea Jazz FestivalSolange marks a highlight for North Sea Jazz Festival

Meanwhile, we also saw one of the youngest performers of the night Joss Stone, the Brit nominated Laura Mvula, The Queen of Neo Soul Erykah Badu, jazz and blues legend Madeleine Peyroux and the chart-topping Usher - the latter of whom was joined by The Roots. 

More: Mavis Staples does charity single with Arcade Fire

North Sea Jazz Festival returns to the Netherlands on July 13th to 15th 2018.

Usher is joined on stage by The RootsUsher is joined on stage by The Roots

Joss Stone returns for North Sea Jazz FestivalJoss Stone returns for North Sea Jazz Festival

What's a soul event without Laura Mvula?What's a soul event without Laura Mvula?

Erykah Badu is the Queen of Neo SoulErykah Badu is the Queen of Neo Soul

Madeleine Peyroux also performs at North SeaMadeleine Peyroux also performs at North Sea

De La Soul performs at Rotterdam's best Jazz FestDe La Soul performs at Rotterdam's best Jazz Fest