Concert Review: Wizkid performs with Femi Kuti at Felabration

By Osagie Alonge

History was made on Thursday night, October 18, 2013 as two of Africa biggest music stars performed together for the very first time.

Yes, Wizkid and Femi Kuti hit the stage for the debut performance of their collaborative effort, Wizzy’s single ‘Jaiye jaiye‘ at this year’s on-going Felabration festival and what made it even better was that they performed at the New Afrika Shrine, reliving the musical theme of the song.

Was the performance all that memorable? We have mixed feelings about that…

The performance started with Wizkid getting on stage to finish up a verse from KaySwitch‘s ‘For example‘ remix. He proceeded to perform his own songs – ‘No lele’, ‘Azonto’, ‘Samba’, ‘Caro’, and even premiered a new single titled ‘Eledumare‘.

Wizkid’s performance was close to perfect – aligning with a live band and his EME labelmate DJ Xclusive. His execution and delivery showed he’s warming up quickly, eager to join the league of maestros. Exuberant on and off social media, the young singer’s performance showed a side many fail to see: a kid that works ten times harder than most of his contemporaries; an ambitious performer determined to break barriers.

Wizzy got the crowd hyped up just to the right manner when he invited Femi Kuti on stage to perform ‘Jaiye jaiye‘, the crowd roared even more in excitement.

Femi Kuti’s showmanship also got the crowd cheering and as the horns blasted through the speakers, you’d think a 10-foot giant was actually blowing the wind instrument. It was powerful and melodious at the same time. Almost hypnotic. Shoki Shoki would give away his dance moves while Wizkid delivered his vocals. It wasn’t Femi’s first performance of the night; he had earlier hit the stage with Aiyetoro and another artiste.

The only problem was the transition – it wasn’t seamless; it would take a three bar incertitude every time before Wizkid or Femi could channel back making the performance a bit awkward. One could however cite the song as the problem – listening closely, it would take weeks of practice to create an outstanding performance, the luxury both acts couldn’t afford.

Don’t tell the crowd that though – fans screamed at the top of their lungs ‘she go saaaay I be lady o‘ in response to Femi Kuti’s sax and Wizkid’s chants.