Top 10 Nigerian events that rocked in 2017

Pulse Events has rounded up 10 events that thrilled us in the year 2017.

10. Art X Live

Art X Lagos held the second edition of its annual contemporary art fair from November 2 – 5, 2017 at The Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Building in the success of the debut edition, which welcomed 5.000 visitors to see the works of 65 artists, the second Art X Lagos Art Fair featured a boutique selection of galleries from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and the United Kingdom, in addition to a dynamic program of talks, and curated and interactive projects.

9. AY LIve on Easter Sunday

The City of Lagos stood still as one of Nigeria's biggest comedy concert, AY Live witnessed a massive turn out at the 2017 edition.

The event held on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 at the Eko hotel & suites, Victoria Island.

Celebrities spotted on the carpet included Alibaba, I Go Dye, Okey Bakassi, Paul Okoye (Psquare), Helen Paul, Akpororo, Majek Fashek, Funke Akindele, Adesua Etomi, Alexx Ekubo, Ik Ogbonna, Toyin Aimakhu, Osas Ighodaro-Ajibade, Klint D Drunk, Chinedu Ikedieze, Ajebo, Emma Oh my God.

The comedy concert themed ‘generations height of laughter’ saw entertainers like I Go Dye, Okey Bakassi, Gordons, Akpororo, Kenny Blaq, Osama, Helen Paul, Woli Arole, among other comedians entertain guest.

8. Asa Live In Lagos: The Encore

Asa, Nigeria’s international celebrated Soul singer successfully held her return encore live in Lagos music concert on Saturday night, April 29, 2017 at the Eko Convention Centre.

Hosted by Beat FM senior broadcaster Olisa Adibua, the show began with Nonso Bassey,Lindsey Abudei, Tay Iwar, Omolara, Funbi and Aramide who all set the mood for the singer. Each of the artists were picked because of their progressive fusion sounds, and ability to perform live music. They did a great job, with the audience warming up to each one of them.

Then at about 9:45pm, the major act of the night Asa made her way to the stage in an all white dress, with the 30-piece orchestra and her band already in place. Asa opened up with ‘Awe’ a love story off her debut album “Asa”, which was followed by ‘Satan be gone’, ‘Eyo’.

Other songs performed by the gifted singer include ‘Maybe’, ‘The one that never comes’, ‘Dead again’, ‘Preacher man’, Fire on the mountain, bibanke, Eye Adaba, So beautiful , Bimpe, Jailer, Be my man, Bamidele and ‘Why can’t we’(The happy song).

It was a worthy encore performance by Asa, as fans had a good time out with the soul R&B singer and her entertaining performance.

7. Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2017

The Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week held at Eko Atlantic from October 25-28 at Eko Atlantic.

Founded by Style House Files, Lagos Fashion and Design Week, leads the way with initiatives that supports, strengthens and develops the fashion industry. Connecting with over 20 million Pan-African insiders, This year’s events themed “Africa: Shaping Fashion’s Future” featured an exciting four-day line up.

The annual fashion show saw upcoming and experienced African fashion talents dazzle Africa with their creativity. They included Style Temple, Morafa, Mai Atafo, Tiffany Amber, Maki Oh, Alara, Loza Maléombho, Nkwo, Lisa Folawiyo and Nigerian-American artiste, Jidenna who performed at the after party.

6. Felabration 2017 Finale

The final day of the 2017 edition of Felabration rolled in grand style as some of Africa’s finest musicians took to the stage to close the show.

Felabration which is an annual festival celebrating the legacy legendary Nigerian musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, holds every year. This year was special because it marks 20 years since the Afrobeat pioneer passed on.

The event which held at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos, was packed to the brim as thousands made the yearly journey to pay respect to a hero of the culture. There were thousands in the packed venue, and outside was a carnival, with several thousands of people seeking entrance.

Wizkid was the lead star of the night. The RCA Records singer brought a worthy conclusion to the show with a performance befitting the stage. Other acts who performed include Tekno, Burna Boy, Oritsefemi, Ycee, Dice Ailes and more.

Over the years Felabration has attracted many high class musical acts from all over the world like Hugh Masekela, Femi Kuti, Lucky Dube, Awilo Longomba, Baba Maal, Les Nubians, King Sunny Ade, Lagbaja, Asa and 2baba.

5. AMVCA 2017

Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is an annual accolade presented by Multichoice recognizing outstanding achievement in television and film, voted on by the general public.

The awards night held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos had Celebrities in their gorgeous and head-turning outfits in attendance.

Spotted on the red carpet include Somkele Idahlama, Ini Dima Okoji, Rita Dominic, Richard Mofe Damijo, Adesua Etomi, Falz, among others. The awards ceremony was hosted by IK Osakiodu and Minnie Dlamini.

Some award winners: Trailblazer Award - Somkele Idhalama, Best Make Up- Oloibiri - Hakeem Onilogbo Ajibola, Perekeme Odon, Best Costume Designer - 76 - Pat Egwurube, Best Art Director - 76 - Pat Nebo, Best Sound Editor (Movies/TV series) Vaya among others.

4. Wizkid: The Concert

The singer has had a spectacular year, releasing some of his best work in conjunction with Sony and RCA records. The singer finally crowned his year with a concert that marked the first time the singer was headlining a concert in his home city.

The event was hosted by Bovi, with additional co-hosting duties by DJ Tunez, who pretty much handled the music for the night.

Wizkid, the superstar, had theme of peace and love, and it showed with his guest acts. Davido joined him on stage for a performance of ‘FIA’, while Tekno came on to perform ‘Mama’.

There were performances from a number of collaborators, including LAX, Tiwa Savage, Mr Eazi, Phyno, 2face Idibia, Olamide and more.

Another special moment was Wizkid performed alongside his son, Boluwatife, who came onstage, said a few words, and gave fans handshakes.

3. The Falz Experience Concert

Top Nigerian entertainer Falz put together one of the biggest and most organized concert to go down in 2017.

Tagged ‘The Falz Experience’, the event took place on the Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the Eko Convention Center, Eko Hotels & Suites.

The event saw thousands of young Nigerians attend the comedian and actor first ever show.

Spotted at the event include the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Steve Ayorinde, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Toke Makinwa, Basketmouth, RMD, Yemi Alade, Reminisce, Simi, Arese Ugwu, Frank Donga, Adunni Ade, Orezi, Poe, Chyn, Sharon Ooja, Folu Storms and Ajifa amongst others.

Top Nigerian acts like Simi, Yemi Alade, Davido, Reekado Banks, Wande Coal, Ycee, Performed live on stage.

The cinematic music concert was produced by Livespot renowned for ground-breaking and out-of-town concepts, and Bahd Guys Entertainment, the record label founded by Falz.

It was indeed an experience for attendees because apart from music performances by other artists, Falz thrilled fans with the performance of skits which he is also popular for among other things.

2. Phynofest 2017

The 3rd edition of the flagship annual event by Phyno, Phynofest, tagged the #ShutdownReloaded, held this year. As typical with the fest, this came with more amazing moments, performances and a concert attendance of well over 50,000 people.

The fest was held in the coal city of Enugu, Nigeria, and was brought to fans by Penthauze in conjunction with NairaBet.

The fest kicked off on Saturday November 18, with the 'Street Party' held in the Abakpa Nike area of Enugu, the hood where Phyno grew up and has shaped who he is as a global recording artists of note. It was impossible to miss the love the hood have for their own. Events of the day saw Phyno engaged with children and all present, performance by upcoming acts, refreshments and lots of music.

The Phynofest concert held on Sunday 19th November at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium; and riding on the success of the previous year this year's concert enjoyed class act performances and choreography by top performers like Phyno, D’Banj, Yemi Alade, Runtown, Zoro, YCee, Flavour, Timaya, Runtown, Rude Boy, Lil Kesh, Mayorkun and Duncan Mighty.

The event was hosted by Olisa Adibua, with appearances from Nedu and official hype-man Ehiz. The upcoming artists were not left out as there were performances by next rated artists from across the country. Highlights of the night were Phyno's headline live band performance, Zoro's entrance, Yemi Alade's scintillating performance, the Kokomaster DBanj doing what he does best, and the list goes on and on.

1. The Experience 12The Experience Lagos held on Friday, December 1, 2017 for the 12th year running at the Tafawa Balewa Square, (TBS) Onikan, Lagos State.

It was all shades of awesome. The event, which is a ministry expression of House On The Rock church, had the whole world worshipping from 7 pm on Friday night up until the early hours of Saturday morning. This year’s edition themed ‘Jesus Our King‘ was really spectacular. It had some of the world’s biggest gospel singers, political leaders and a huge crowd of excited worshippers.Tim Godfrey was among the first set of artiste to take the stage. His performance was so good that twitter users could not help but let others know how they feel. Other artiste on stage include Chioma Jesus who got everyone on their feet with her much loved indigenous styled worship, Travis Greene; who was back at The Experience Lagos with awesome testimonies. He also sang the ‘Imela‘ anthem and was joined on stage by Minister Donnie McClurkin as they rendered the heavens with their worship. The comic duo of Still Ringing got everyone cracked up with hilarious commentary.It was indeed a night of worship as Jesus was exalted as King. The event was well attended by members of the media, captains of industries, doyens in the marketplace, diplomatic corps, government officials, statesmen and a plethora of invited guests. The numbers at this year’s event surely will go down as the most attended Experience Lagos event ever.

Other Amazing events from 2017 that narrowly missed the list

The anticipated 2017 movie, "Lotanna; Remember Your Father," held an old school themed premiere on April 8, 2017.

The event which held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos, was star studded with celebrities like Adesua Etomi, Somkele Idhalama, Osas Ighodaro, Kiki Omeili, Michelle Dede, Linda Ejiofor, Kelechi Amadi Obi, Eku Edewor, DJ Spinall, Ini Dima Okojie among others in attendance.

Lotanna is a story about a young man (Chris Okagbue), who discovers that he has to offset a huge debt owed by his father before his sudden death, to a fearful loan shark called Don Cleff.

The 4th edition of the annual concert by Olamide – Olamide Live In Concert, tagged #OLIC4 - has come and gone.

As is typical with the concert series, this has come with more amazing moments, performances and a concert attendance of well over 10,000 people.

The OLIC4 concert held at the stadium; and riding on the success of the previous years and support from the Lagos State Government, it enjoyed class act performances and choreography by top performers like Phyno, Tiwa Savage, Ycee, Baba Fryo, Terry G, Daddy Showkey, Zoro, Lil Kesh, CDQ, LAX, and more.

The event was co-hosted by Bash, with appearances from Jimmie Akinsola, Dotun, Ehiz and Shody.

The up-and-coming artists were not left out as there were performances by next rated artistes from across the country.

Highlights of the night were Olamide’s headline performance, Zoro’s set with a masquerade and traditional cultural dancers, Ycee’s scintillating performance, Tiwa Savage doing what she does best, and many more.

It was a night of great music, awesome vibes and the best of performances as the 2017 edition of Nativeland concert came into town.

The event which began in 2016, with Skepta and J Hus as the lead performers kept up the energy in 2017, with a diverse set list of performers drawn from numerous facets of the Nigerian music industry.

This year’s event held at the Muri Okunola park, on December 22, 2017, and it featured a number of attractions including a great selection of food vendors and festival gear.

The concert featured performances from Fasina, Fresh L, Mobblanta, No Politics Mob, Kazeem Twins, Yinka Bernie, AylO, Lady Donli, Barelyanyhook, Dice Ailes, Poe, Prettyboy D-O, DJ Aye, Wavy TheCreator, Odunsi, Blackmagic, Santi, Ajebutter22, BOJ, SDC, and more.

Headlining sets came from Yxng Bane, Kojo Funds, Davido, Nonso Amadi, Maleek Berry, Burna Boy, Mayorkun and Tekno.

UK Grime rapper Skepta also made a cameo appearance, hitting the stage during Burna Boy’s set. Check out photos from the event.