Author: The Nation

Young John was one of the music acts that dazzled football fans when Manchester City won the UEFA Champions League.

 The Nigerian music producer and performing act had several fans asking for more when he thrilled guests and fans at the Heineken experience centre recently.

 The Chocolate City-signed music act performed many of his hit singles to the delight of many fans, who sang along with him.

 The electrifying watch parties took place at Cubana Hut and Grill, Ikeja, and Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, to celebrate exceptional talent and foster a spirit of competition.

 The watch party featured adrenaline-releasing performances from Afrobeats stars such as Omah Lay, Fave, Bayanni, Minz, and hype man, Toby Shang.

 Also at the event were Super Falcon captain, Onome Ebi; former Super Eagles players, Julius Aghahowa and Austin Eguaveon, Finidi George, BBNaija’s Sheggz and BBTitants’ Yemi Cregx.

Uzoma Day Omenka, the former manager to the late Majek Fashek, is gradually but steadily stamping his music authority not only in Nigeria but Europe.

 This assertion was made known on  June 7, at Vauxhall London when the singer,  popularly known as Uzo, shone like a star in the sky at the Nigeria Festival UK.

 Uzo, who together with his Miracle Day Music band, held the crowd spellbound with their performances such that the Member of Parliament from the House of Commons, Florence Eshalomi asked Uzo to replicate his performance in the Parliament.

 There were also other side attractions which got music lovers dancing and generally having a good time.

 Speaking about the experience, Uzo said: “I must tell you that it was a massive turnout. I was surprised at the way people love Nigerian culture. When Egungun, Eyo and Nmau masquerades came out it was a different ball altogether. I then realised that Nigerian culture needed to be promoted more and supported. When I came on stage, I didn’t expect the overwhelming love I got from fans. Funny enough my song, Nigeria is more appreciated abroad. I still don’t understand why. Even my unity song and other songs got the same ovation. Even the wife of the Nigerian Ambassador in the UK was very impressed. I thank MP Eshalomi who graced the occasion and I am promising her and other parliamentarians the thrill of a lifetime when we storm the House of Commons. I also thank the organisers of the festival, Ambassador Yemi Soile and madam Irene Eribo –Ani, CEO Ebony Ambassadors. Iso want to thank Mr. Femi Shojan of Brightnight Media, my UK tour promoter and management.  Honestly, the demand is high. I will be travelling to other countries like Rwanda, return to Nigeria to shoot some videos then to South Africa and Australia. I thank my band members especially Sammy who mersmerised the crowd with his guitar.”

The organisers of Felabration have announced that this year’s edition of the annual music festival in memory and celebration of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, will be held from June 9 to  October 15.

 Felabration is a week-long celebration of Fela’s legacy as the creator of the Afrobeat genre and as a renowned human rights activist.

 Conceived in 1998 by Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti to honour the legacy of her father, Felabration is one of Nigeria’s biggest music festivals today. It hosts tens of thousands of attendees annually.

In a statement, the organisers explained that the theme for this year’s edition is ‘Question Jam Answer,’ a classic record composed by Fela and released in 1972.

According to the organisers, the song fits right into the socio-political mood of the country after the intriguing general election, where people are searching for answers from questions asked.

 It said: “Felabration 2023 will present an authentic and vivid showcase of African music, creativity and resilience through art, dance, fashion and music.

 “The festival usually features The Senior Secondary Schools Debate, The Fela Debates (Symposium), The Afrobics Dance Competition, The Artwork Competition, The Dress Fela Fashion Competition, The Musical Concert and other activities.

“Also, the concert will feature some of the biggest music stars from Nigeria and foreign artistes also registered to perform at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos.”

Wande Coal has proven yet again to be not just a euphonious vocalist but also one of Nigeria’s most energetic performers till date.

 The Black Diamond took fans on a scintillating musical journey at the recent Trace Live which was held at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently.

 WC was hosted by Trace Live in partnership with Bolanle Austen-Peters to bring music lovers an unforgettable live music experience.

 Wande, however, took a short break during the performance to thank everyone who came out to support him.

 “I’m overwhelmed, there’s a lot of love and I love you guys so much too,” he began. “I had to come into the industry with a difference and that’s what I think I was able to do.”

 Wande performed with a ten-man band churning out evergreen songs from his debut album, recent album as well as songs from the Mohits All Stars album.

 Songs including his breakout single, Ololufe, Who Born The Maga, You bad, Pere

 Bumper to Bumper, Rotate, Baby Hello, Come My Way and many more were performed to an audience who filled Terra Kulture to the brim.

 ‘Trace Live with Wande Coal’ was well graced by notable industry stakeholders and media personalities.

Music ministers Nathaniel Bassey, and Mercy Chinwo, left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance at The African Praise Experience 2023 at the House on The Rock Cathedral.

 With their captivating performances, each minister showcased their unique styles, talents, and devotion to spreading the message of faith and praise through music on Friday, June 10 as worshippers gathered both in-suite and online for yet another unforgettable edition of The African Praise Experience.

 Other music ministers that performed at the event include Dare Justified, Prinx Emmanuel, Prospa Ochimana, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Judikay, Kike Mudiaga, Eno Michael, Eben, Moses Bliss, Mr M. & Revelation, IB Quake, Bee Jay Sax, and LMGC.

 With the highest number of attendees to date, the gospel event has cemented itself in the hearts and minds of a global crowd of worshippers as an indigenous gospel music event in the country.

The convener, Metropolitan of all House on the Rock, Paul Adefarasin, gave an inspiring word about the power of breaking down walls and emphasised the critical role of gospel music in spreading love and positivity. He also challenged the industry to support the growth of gospel music globally.

 Pastor Paul’s sermon connected the symbolic significance of the Ram’s horn blasts to the idea of nation-building, specifically in the context of Nigeria. Drawing inspiration from Joshua 6:4-5, he emphasized the transformative power of unity and faith in overcoming challenges. The congregation embraced the message, envisioning a new era of progress and development for Nigeria. The resonating horn blasts represented the breaking down of barriers, and the shout of victory symbolized the impending rise of the nation, driven by unity, faith, and resilience.

 It was however revealed that a Spirit Life Conference with Bishop Jakes and his daughter Sarah will be held soon, along with another edition of The Experience. As Adefarasin reminded the audience, it’s not enough to end the Experience there “we must carry it with us everywhere we go,” said Adefarasin.

Made Kuti has continued to showcase his brilliance to the world while cementing his status and position on the Afrobeat world map.

 The first son of legendary Femi Kuti and grandson of the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Made left fans and guests asking for more as he gave a sterling performance at The Good Village on the Good Beach.

 The show, which lasted three hours, saw the singer and multi-instrumentalist performing tracks from his last album as well as his last single, ‘No More Wars.’ Made surprised fans and attendees of the show when his father, Femi Kuti joined him on stage for a couple of performances while his aunt, Yeni Kuti danced to the delight of fans and attendees.

 With attendees and fans urging the singer to return to the Island with another show, FK Management, the organiser of the show, have promised to work more on getting the Grammy award nominee to the Island every quarter.

 Speaking on the reason for the show, Funke Kuti, who runs FK Management, said the show was organised after several yearnings for Made Kuti and The Movement band.

 “Over the last one year, many of Made’s fans have been yearning for his performance on the Island. Many of them want to be in his presence as he performs because they connect with him and his performance on many levels. So, as an event management company, we approached The Good Beach and The Good Village with the idea and they accepted it.”

 She also hinted that the show would be held again soon as FK Management is already in talks with top organisations to bankroll the event.

One of Nigeria’s most decorated vocalists, Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia, has taken stock of his milestones in the music industry and in philanthropy.

 In a chat with the reporters, the father of seven got emotional as he tried to reel out some of his achievements as a musician and philanthropist.

The singer failed to control his emotions as he appealed to guests at a breakfast meet organised by his foundation, 2Baba Foundation. The ‘African Queen’ singer got teary as his manager of many years, Efe Omorogbe, read his official opening speech at the event.

 2Baba, in the speech, reeled out numerous achievements in contributing to the good of the world, especially Nigeria, using his star power.

“Through the course of the last fifteen years, I have, as an individual or through The 2Baba Foundation, devoted a tremendous amount of time, effort and resources to supporting various causes that promote the well-being of our country and the welfare of our people.

“From the Guinea-worm Eradication Program to NAFDAC’s war against fake or substandard food and drug products; from the Net Nation anti-malaria campaign to C.E.C.P’s Cancer Awareness and Fundraising efforts; from disaster relief work with Red Cross of Nigeria to IDP intervention efforts with UNHCR and then to multiple One Voice Nigeria projects with Enough is Enough, Nigeria; I have been blessed to be in a position to make a modest contribution and lend a hand to fellow human beings in need, raise a voice on behalf of those who need to be heard and build a nation where the government is responsible and the people are a priority,” he said.

 Known for his groundbreaking contributions to the music industry, 2Baba, also known as 2face Idibia, rose to fame as the frontman of Plantashun Boiz in 1999. With his solo debut album ‘Face 2 Face’ released in 2004, he solidified his status as a bona-fide star and emerged as a leader of the emerging music industry in Nigeria.

 Over the years, 2Baba has released several classic albums, achieved record-breaking sales, and earned numerous local and international awards. However, his commitment to humanity has been equally remarkable. From 2009 to 2023, he has dedicated himself to impactful endeavors that have left an indelible mark on society.