Known as genre-mixers, Guinness world record holders, and wearers of cool hats, Jamiroquai somehow channelled their totally unique sound into global success.
Formed in London in 1992, Jamiroquai (a portmanteau of the words 'jam' and 'Iroquois') swiftly joined the new wave of funky acid jazz inundating the city. Frontman Jay Kay first joined the appropriately named Acid Jazz Records and began assembling a crack team of future band members.
Co-written with keyboardist Toby Smith, the debut single When You Gonna Learn reached mainstream audiences and garnered the attention of major record labels.
Jay Kay swiftly signed a million-dollar, eight album deal with Sony Soho2 – thus launching Jamiroquai on their path to worldwide success. Their first studio album, Emergency on Planet Earth (1993) enjoyed immediate success and was lauded for its 1970s stylings.
1994's The Return of the Space Cowboy reached number 2 on the UK's album charts – officially reaching Platinum status – and was characterised by complex songwriting as a result by a creative block, which plagued Jay Kay.
But true, blue Jamiroquai-heads know that their third LP, Travelling Without Moving, was the big one. Released in 1996, Jay Kay reflected on the band's journey so far in the album's liner notes.
Their first album had been a 'moderate' success, he wrote, whilst The Return of the Space Cowboy had been a stressful project and veered into sadder, more sombre territories. Travelling Without Moving, they finally decided, was supposed to revolve around "cars, life, and love."
This new direction clearly resonated with mass audiences – leading to the LP eventually earning Jamiroquai the Guinness World Record for best-selling funk album in history.
The album's lead single, Virtual Insanity, is still completely ubiquitous (on RTL Today Radio, at least), with its accompanying music video likely one of the most famous in the world.
Naturally, the funky troop have continued to produce songs and albums, with the band having recently teased a new album in the works. Indeed, their upcoming ninth LP is currently in its final mastering stage. What better time to hit the stage in Luxembourg to remind audiences why the future is made of virtual insanity.
RTL Today Radio are giving away two tickets to Jamiroquai at Luxexpo Open-Air on 7 July.
For a chance to win, simply answer the following question:
What Guiness World Record does Jamiroquai hold?*
If you know the answer, send it to +352 621 52 5000 on Whatsapp and include your name and email address.
*EDIT*
Big thanks to our listeners who have pointed out that this is not the only record the band holds. Their other, arguably more impressive achievement was set on February 27, 2007, during a special promotional flight with Sony Ericsson. The band performed The Gig In The Sky, breaking the records for Fastest Concert: Performed on a private Boeing 757 while the aircraft traveled at 1,017 km/h (632 mph) and also Highest Recording/Gig (Historical): Recorded in a plane at an altitude of 35,000 feet (10,668 meters). While altitude records for in-flight concerts have been subsequently broken by other artists, Jamiroquai maintains the recognized record for their recording and the overall concept of the fastest gig.
We'll accept both answers, good luck!
jamiroquai
7 July, 2026
Luexpo Open-Air
Doors: 5:30pm
