The much-anticipated timeless concert by David “Davido” Adeleke, unarguably one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports of all time, was an electrifying music showpiece that further reiterated the lofty height and growth that has defined the Nigerian Music industry in recent years as Nigeria’s premier banking giant, FirstBank once again, threw its weight behind Davido.
The Timeless Concert in Lagos was the climax to the treble of concerts to complement the 31 March 2023 launch of his fourth studio album, ‘Timeless’. Before the Lagos concert, Davido performed at the Irvine Plaza in New York on 2 April 2023 and in London on 5 April 2023.
The 17-track project album has topped several charts, breaking and setting several records. Big amongst these was the recognition of the Timeless album as the first African album to hit Number 1, topping the US iTunes Albums Chart which is credited to be the world’s biggest music market.
Davido the Timeless Concert in Lagos was indeed more than music, as it unified individuals from all works of lives, irrespective of tradition, culture, economic strata and nationalities. Fans and music lovers trooped to the venue, the historical Tafawa Balewa Square, from far and wide to show their love and support for Davido, have fun, relax, connect and reunite.
A show without a well-constructed stage is a no show as staging promotes the interaction and connection between the artistes and fans.
The Timeless stage, the biggest in West Africa and second biggest in Africa, was groundbreaking in both design and aesthetics.
The beauty of the stage was reminiscent of the words of Canadian international bestseller, Yann Marte: “Nature can put on a thrilling show. The stage is vast, the lighting is dramatic, the extras are innumerable, and the budget for special effects is unlimited”.
These words simply depicted the nature, class and details applied to the construction of the Timeless stage as its exquisiteness was conspicuous during the day well ahead of the fall into the night when the concert took centre stage at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.
The hosts of the night, celebrity skit makers and comedians, KieKie and Mr Macaroni added spice to the event, as they thrilled fans to a more than music experience, whetting their appetite for the grand performance of the evening; who else but Davido.
Timeless Concert was lit with a sensational performance by several leading artistes including, Asake, Mayorkun, Skiibii, Iyanya, B-Red, Pheelz, Fave, Spyro, Iyanya, Khaid.
Other artistes that added spark to the night include Peruzzi, The Cavemen, Majeeed, Odumodublvck, Starboy Terri and May D, amongst many others.
Expectedly, Davido’s entrance received a never-ending ovation as fans could not hold back their excitement of seeing him perform yet again. The Nigerian music legend and globally acclaimed music sensation’s well over two-hour electrifying performance on stage had his fans spellbound on several classical hits from previous albums and those from his most recent album, Timeless.
The hits performed from his previous and most recent albums included, Skelewu, Dami Duro, Gobe, Aye, Unavailable, Over Dem All and Feel.
Davido also performed Electricity, a duet with Pheelz, a smash hit in 2022.
A déjà vu of some sort to Davido fans, as FirstBank was the headline sponsor of Davido 30 billion concert in 2017.
Also, as part of its yearly DecemberIssaVybe fiesta and supported events in 2021, the Bank sponsored ‘A Decade of Davido’ Concert, organised to celebrate 10 years of achievement of the Nigerian American pop singer and global music sensation. Fast forward to the Timeless concert in 2023, the Bank’s yearly DecemberIssavybe fiesta, no doubt came pretty early much as it is a long road to December from this month, April.
The bank’s dedication to going beyond functional products and benefits for its stakeholders and providing these types of enabling experiences sets it apart in the industry and solidifies its position as a leader in not just directly supporting the arts and entertainment industry but economically impacting its value chain.
Anyone not following the Bank is surely on a long thing but hey, it is never too late as there are still many exciting moments the Bank creates on its social media ecosystem via @firstbanknigeria (Instagram); @FirstBankngr (Twitter) and First Bank of Nigeria Limited (Facebook).
FirstBank’s support of Davido’s Timeless Concert is undoubtedly a curtain raiser as the bar has been raised for another back-to-back hit for the financial giant to create more memorable experience for its customers and social media followers in 2023 as the year fast edges into DecemberIssavybe due to hold in some 9 months’ time.
on the 6th of November, 2023, Nigerian Fuji musician Okiki Bright released his much-anticipated album, “Ambition.” Distributed and marketed by Role Model Entertainment, this album marks a significant milestone in Okiki Bright’s career, and it’s already making waves in the music industry. Today, the artist took to the airwaves at Fresh FM in Ibadan for an exclusive interview hosted by Alhaji Saheed Babatunde, where he delved into the various aspects of the album and shared insights on the challenges within the music industry.
“Ambition” on All Streaming Platforms Before diving into the interview details, it’s worth noting that “Ambition” is now available on all major streaming platforms. Listeners can enjoy the fusion of indigenous Fuji rhythms with contemporary melodies that Okiki Bright brings to life through this album. The music promises to be a captivating auditory experience, staying true to the didactic traditions of the genre while embracing innovation.
Insights from the Interview During the interview at Fresh FM, Okiki Bright opened up about his journey, the inspiration behind “Ambition,” and the struggles he’s faced in the music industry. He discussed how his music is a bridge between tradition and modernity, much like his mentor, Chief Adewale Ayuba. The artist emphasized the importance of cultural narratives and morals in his compositions and how they are presented on danceable modern rhythms, creating not just music but a cultural experience for his audience.
The interview shed light on the enduring power of mentorship in the music industry and the coexistence of diverse musical styles, carrying on the torch lit by legends like Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. Okiki Bright’s journey and his latest album exemplify the fusion of tradition and ambition within the rich tapestry of Nigerian music.
As “Ambition” continues to gain traction on streaming platforms, music enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the cultural and musical experience that Okiki Bright brings to life. The interview at Fresh FM not only provided insights into the album but also underscored the artist’s dedication to preserving the rich heritage of Fuji music while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Stay tuned for more updates on Okiki Bright’s musical journey and the ongoing success of “Ambition,” as it leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian music scene.
Upwardly mobile Disc Jockey, Adenmosun Aramide Adeniyi otherwise known as DJ Gleefully has said that his mission is to set a new standard in the Nigerian entertainment sector.
DJ Gleefully, who has toured many parts of Nigeria performing at top music concerts and shows, expressed that while he respects his predecessors in the game, his dream is to set new standards.
His words: “We must appreciate the passion and sacrifices of those who made disc jockeying a profession to be reckoned with in Nigeria. However, as the younger generation, it is a challenge on us to build on what these legends have done, and sustain the legacy.
“My dream is to float a one-stop entertainment complex -a melting pot for established and young DJs. I will also initiate a laudable international reality show for DJs. With our contribution to the social scene, I think DJs deserve more global recognition,” DJ Gleefully noted.
Frontline Nigerian entertainer, Dr Helen Paul, has explained why she celebrated her country’s 63 years of independence with a comedy show tagged ‘HelenPaul360’ in Maryland, United States of America.
Helen
The star-studded show was held on Sunday, 1 October, at Grand Occasion Laurel, Maryland, USA amid pomp and ceremony, with top-notch performances from veteran Nigerian entertainers.
No doubt, Helen Paul has once again raised the bar, as the elated and thrilled audience in God’s own country kept asking for more.
It was indeed a night of unstoppable entertainment, with spectacular performances by the host, Helen Paul, Adex Artquake, Lord of Ajasa, Dekunle Fuji, Olu Maintain, Side One, Yemi Sax and the ‘Ijoya’ crooner, Weird MC.
Other entertainers who creatively kept the audience at the edge of their seats at the soldout event include Jeddy, Wamilele, Isaac Gerrard, Holy Mallam, CY, Gbenro Ajibade, Wale Adebayo (Sango), DJ Tee and Doris Simeone.
Helen’s husband, Barrister Femi Bamisile, was also in attendance to support his amiable wife.
The event, Produced by Africa Comedy Live and managed by Akinlolu Jekins, reached its crescendo with an energetic performance by Weird MC, who literally held the audience captive with her repertoire of monster hit cuts.
Heart of Sapphires International Foundation supported the event, presenting many gift items to attendees. Other brands like Advantage Wealth, Serenity, Kingsway Kitchen, Harpic, Ajinomoto, Noah Ogunyide, Idris Quadri Studios, JK Productions and Labi Sound Productions also contributed to the event’s success.
Speaking of her decision to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence in the US, Helen said “Nigeria is arguably the most popular black nation, and the world can’t get enough of our creativity and talent. They keep asking for more, and we have more than enough talents to match the international demand. The idea is to show the world that despite the challenges currently facing Nigeria, we still have a rich culture and potential that are second to none.”