10 iconic Jamiroquai moments

5 ‘Canned Heat’ soundtracking the best dance scene in cinematic history

Instant cult classic Napolean Dynamite captured the imagination of teens like nothing else when it came out in 2004. For a generation of filmgoers, Vote For Pedro t-shirts are not a thing of the past and “tots” are still a substantial meal. But its most iconic scene comes when Napolean performs at his school’s talent show to Jamiroquai’s certified banger ‘Canned Heat’. Just watch it right through and try to not crack a smile.

6 Jay Kay drops £1m on green Ferrari

There's no denying over-indulgence is a big part of Jay Kay's shtick. The headdresses, the private jets and the Buckingham mansion. He's lived nearly every rockstar cliche under the sun but having experienced homelessness before striking gold with his music, he's allowed a little excess isn't he? Well, when he dropped a cool £1m on a green Ferrari he was doing just that. But that is the essence of Jamiroquai isn't it? They're a band that brought full string sections back into the mainstream and regularly draw inspiration from the over-the-top days of Studio 54. That's what makes this moment iconic.

7 This hat

As one of the most unexpected fashion icons in the business and beyond, Jay Kay’s hats are stuff of urban legend. From his infamous addition in the 'Virtual Insanity' video, (a style seen since on the likes of Pharrell Williams and the catwalks) to this weapon-like headpiece. Sharp, absurd and, above all completely recognisable. It is clear to see just how, and why, hats have become a trademark for the band.

8 Their Late Night Tales compilation

A reflective moment in their career. Stepping out of the studio to explore the influences that shaped their sound, ‘Late Night Tales’ was a compilation album divulging into many of Jay Kay’s musical inspirations. From disco through to soul and funk, the likes of Marvin Gaye and Dexter Wansel can be heard on the record. On Leon Ware’s ‘What’s Your Name’, Jay Kay says: "Lyrically, it’s so summer, so light, and it just gets me so excited listening to tracks like these."

9 The logo

Name a more iconic musical logo (apart from Aphex). We'll wait.

10 Selling out the Roundhouse in 60 seconds

A headline we're sure many thought they would never see again. After first shocking fans this January with news of their upcoming comeback album, ‘Automaton’, tickets for their Roundhouse show sold out in less than a minute. For a group that hasn't released music in seven years, it just proves just how truly iconic they are. In the words of The Black Madonna:

I am so here for a Jamiroquai comeback.
— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi) January 17, 2017

[Main photo credit: Eddie Monsoon]