Top 5 Nigerian concerts of the year

In the past 11 months, a massive array of major artists took to various stages to rock their fans and provide live art . In addition to tours from pop royalty (Wizkid and Davido) and resurgent rockers (D’banj and Wande Coal), many acts and promoters pooled their resources to create unstoppable package shows.

1. Asa: Live In Lagos Concert (May 1, 2016)

Prior to that , Asa, of worldwide fame, has risen to the top of African music, with her alternative soul, immersive imagery, and vivid performances all across the world. But Lagos had been a virgin to her performances. While starring as the headlining third party to a number of concerts, never has she held a personal gathering to serenade her home city.

That changed on May 1 2016, in the most magical way possible. Held at the prestigious Lagos home of big events, Eko Hotel & Suites, the hall was decked with larger than life images of Asa, walkways, paths and wall-boards were raised glaringly, with the singer striking every ‘deep’ pose possible as she stared down at her guests. This was Asa’s concert after all, and everyone’s gotta know it. Proceedings for the night was dictated by veteran MC and OAP, Olisa Adibua. A man for the big moments, he came through with panache, and an astute control of crowds and entertainment.

There were few opening acts, who prepped the guests for a night of live music, deep soulful singing, and ethereal alternative singing. They were chosen for their dexterity of their voice, and the industry of their hands.

Asa’s historic set lasted for 2-hours, with guests getting their money’s worth. This was the first time Asa had given back to her hometown, and she did receive the love and support from everyone. Only an elite and ultimately few group acts in modern Nigerian music have the ability to run through a two-hour set, and engage the crowd through it all. Asa leads that group in style, pomp and aplomb.

In 2016, Asa held her first ever concert in Lagos. That concert was historic.

2. Jidenna: “Classic Man” Concert (September 1, 2016)

Everything he has done in the past month had been in preparation for that day. Jidenna is in Lagos for the first time since he became a star, and there no holds barred in giving him a swell time.

Organized by Epic Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment, the singer makes a grand return to his country of birth, with razzmatazz, press parleys, media rounds, and plenty of cameras at every point.

These cameras have trailed him since he stepped foot through the doors of Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos, accompanied him as he held his first interview with Pulse, and hugged him close all day, at every point. These cameras were still rolling on the night, as the singer held his first ever performance in Lagos, Nigeria at the Hardrock Café, on Thursday, September 1, 2016. Flashes were a constant feature as stars walked the blue carpet, and into the hall, where DJ Spinall was on hand to please the crowd with music.

The main attraction strolled in looking like he dropped from the sky. Clad in an all-white ensemble, Jidenna hit the stage and quickly set into his work for night. His was a performance that contained various elements. From lighting to syncopation, the star moved entertainingly, incorporating choreographed dance moves, as he belted ‘Chief don’t run’, ‘Knickers’ and ‘A little bit more’.

Then there was a speech session, where he made light of his famous controversy which occurred when he described his experience during the funeral of his father. There was still more nostalgic jokes from him, as he shared some wise sayings from his dad, called him ‘Chief’, and broke out into the single ‘Long live the chief’.

Then there was new music. Assisted by his band, Jidenna let loose some songs off his forthcoming album. Marked by deep immersive lines, guitars and an emotion-laden display, the first song was concluded, and another followed with repeated syncopations.

The band members had multiple functions, including dancing, and creating an ad hoc Accapella choir as the show progressed.

And then there was Burna Boy. The Nigerian star was brought on stage, and he had a mini-performance of ‘Yawa’, before giving the appropriate recognition to Jidenna, and exited. ‘Classic man’ was ushered in, before ‘Extraordinaire’ found its way in.

Jidenna’s performance was one to be remembered, as attention to detail and a honed showmanship leading people on, and ultimately providing an experience worthy of all the hype.

3. M.I Abaga: Buckwyld N’ Breathless – The Disruption (September 3, 2016)

This is what it is. A show designed to bring together two legendary and phenomenal stories. Legends in their rights, rulers of the African music space, and disruptors of systems. 2face Idibia is a legend of pop music, who in over 3 decades have had a strangling hold of pop music, with genre-defining classics, albums and collaborations that have rewritten Nigerian music as we know it.

Buckwylld N Breathless: The Disruption’ organized by a team led by veteran showman, Helen Abutu, seeks to create a concert that will epitomize the works of Nigeria’s modern craftsmen put in in a time capsule, and preserved for generations to come. Carefully conceptualized, scripted and executed, the concert prides itself as being the biggest of 2016.

A show reel portrayed M.I as British spy James Bond and then with breathtaking choreography, acting, and showboating, he fired off Action Film, Who do this song, Undisputed Champion, Sexual Healing, Beef.

M.I got a lap dance, had women swarm all over him, and changed costumes, brought on Kelly Handsome to make mockery of a beef that had existed between the two. This was the vintage M.I Abaga; one who had over the years become less confrontational and pursued industry peace, while preaching messages of love and cohesion. He also did bring on Ruggedman, payed tribute to Eedris Abdulkareem, and Modenine. He switched between fun and emotion, thrilling the fans and connecting with their every mood. He brought on his family, starting with Djinee for ‘Safe’, then Ice Prince and Jesse Jagz for ‘Overkilling it (remix), before Jesse Jagz and Ice Prince both had their performances of ‘Wetin dey’ and ‘Oleku’, and then some more, with Nosa joining in for a rendition of brother.

Waje took the baton with some vocal acrobatics on ‘I wish’. She collaborated with M.I Abaga on ‘One Naira’, before he ran through his singles, and bowed out with the soundtrack to popular TV show, Game Of Thrones’. This was a display that had all that M.I had to offer, inclusive of his backstories and his celebrity. This was the best M.I performance ever, reeking of endless practice sessions and effort. He executed perfectly, every turn, dance, extra and collaborators falling in place.

There was an interlude for TV show ‘The Gist’, featuring Emma Ugolee, Osagie Alonge and AY Makun. 2face disrupted it, and together with M.I, ran through some of their collaborations. Sound Sultan joined in. Cobhams was on hand to throw in his quota, after driving into the venue. From then on it was emotional for 2face. He cried for the country, literally, and brought on Ruggedman to join in the tears, only this time, it was for the late OJB and Nomoreloss – two entertainers who died this year. Other performers who joined him include Vector, and Vanessa Mdee.

4. KSA, D’banj, Asa, 2bab: Supremacy Concert (October 2, 2016)

On a day when Nigeria half-hearted celebrated the 56 anniversary of the country’s independence from our British colonial masters, there wasn’t much to inspire patriotism. The country’s 170 million-strong population are dealing with the biting effects of a recession, with inflation on the rise, and the value of the Naira depreciating against the Dollar.

But in came the Supremacy concert.

The organisers of the successful (MaIN) festival had lined up an impressive list of performers for the maiden edition of the Supremacy Concert which held on October 1 at the Eko Atlantic, Lagos.

The Supremacy Concert was the climax of a seven-day event which attracted dignitaries such as His Excellency, the Vice-President of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, CBN Governor Mr Godwin Emefiele, Minister of Power, Works & Housing Mr Babatunde Fashola, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Ronald Chagoury, Mr. Ben Akabueze (D.G. Budget Office) among others.

The Made-in-Nigeria festival was put together by MaIN Group, a collaboration of private sector organisations. Board of Advisors of the initiative include: Prince Adesegun Oniru, Mr. Aliko Dangote, Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Okoli, Mr. Ronald Chagoury, and Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The music concert featured music acts such as the King of World Beats King Sunny Ade (KSA), Internationally recognised songstress Asa, The Kokomaster Dbanj, and African legend 2Baba.

This would be the first time these entertainers would grace the same stage in the history of music concerts in Nigeria and fans were already away by the choice of these artistes churning out hits from the same stage.

There were no opening acts at the concert. A decision that did much to keep the concert at its peak level.

KSA kicked off the event. The master maestro, who turned 70 in the past week, showed no signs of his advance in age, as he maintained peak fitness, danced through his set and pulled off intricate choreographed moves with his band. 2face Idibia delivered one of the strongest performances of his career, with a plethora of hits drawn from over 20 years at the top of the game. Asa was magnificent and graceful, as he timeless music wafted across the packed venue, while she thrilled with goofy dancing. D’banj was to wrap things up, as he brought on a sexy display, filled with ladies, sexy innuendoes and lots more.

Wizkid failed to turn up, but that was a minor concern for the fans. What they had was enough to lift their spirits and provide what was one of the most memorable of Independence Day anniversaries.

Recession? What recession?

5. Darey: Love Like A Movie 3 (February 28, 2016)

The third edition of Darey Art Alade’s signature concert, ‘Love Like A Movie’ has held with a futuristic theme, beautiful sights, an interesting blend of music, comedy, specialty dancing, and a plethora of performances.

The much hyped concert which held at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, on Sunday, February 28, lived up to its anticipation.

Citing an intergalactic and futuristic theme the show contained feature performances from a galaxy of stars including, Ciara, Darey Art Alade, Yemi Alade, Olamide, Kaffy, Adekunle Gold, and more.

Dancing for the night was led by ace dancer, Kaffy, who with help from her crew of choreographers led dovetailed with every performance of the night.

The main attraction was music, and Darey supplied that immensely as he performed songs off his 2015 album “Naked”. His performances, like all others was steeped in art and backed by dancing as he performed notable singles ‘Inside of You’, ‘Asiko Laiye’, Delilah (Taxi  Driver), ‘You’re beautiful, and many others. He also covered John Legend’s ‘All of you’, and Bob Marley’s classics ‘One love’, and ‘Is this love’. He threw in the grand piano for ‘Lie to you’, and wrapped up in spectacular fashion, with a crown adorning his head, a gold cape, and a scepter while performing ‘Champion’.

Other performers who were regular features include Livespot Entertainment singer Zaina, Sound Sultan, Tolu, and X3M Music man, Sammy, who between them, covered 10 songs.

Another highlight of the night was the performance of Vector and Sammy, as the two musicians did a cover of Wiz Khalifa's award-winning hit song 'See you again'. Only this time, it was used to pay tribute to the memories of late Nigerian entertainers including Sam Loco, Art Alade, Amaka Igwe, J.T Tom West, Justice Esiri, Junior and Pretty, Fatai Rolling Dollar, Dagrin, Goldie, Orlando Owoh, Fela Kuti, Kefee, Sunny Okosun, Zara Gretti, Pete Eneh, and many others.

Ciara, the co-headlining act of the night was in her element. She hit the stage with two dancers, all clad in white crop top and distress jeans. Together they performed her hit songs including ‘I bet’, Like a boy’, 'Dance like we're making love' and ‘Body party’. She also got the crowd extra thrilled when called on Kaffy to teach her some Nigerian dances. She proceeded to dance Shoki, Etighi, and bobo.