STAR TREK: Mr Raw, Wande Coal and Wizkid light up Uyo

By Hilda Oghuma

The city of Uyo rocked on Friday, June 22, 2012, as the township stadium played host to the ninth edition of the biggest musical show in Nigeria, Star trek.

The show started with a dance competition anchored by the host, Gbenga Adeyinka, who  gave five winners the opportunity to dine with the VIP guests in their section.

This was followed by a 20 minute dance session, in which DJ Switch delivered various genres of music from Reggae to Hip-hop, R&B and more. 9ice‘s ‘Street Credibility‘, Faze’s ‘Originality‘, and 2Face and Bob Marley‘s ‘One Love‘ were some of the songs the host mimed to.

Gbenga Adeyinka honours the departed

Ace comedian Gbenga Adeyinka didn’t start the show without honouring the souls of departed musicians who contributed to the growth of the music industry, both home and abroad. The late rapper Da Grin was the first to be honoured as his ‘Pon Pon Pon’ song was delivered by the host and the crowd. Not left out was MC Loph, with his hit song ‘Osondi Owendi.’ Foreign acts including Tupac Shakur and B.I.G were also remembered.

Up and Rising Artistes took to the floor

The brand, which is known for discovering and encouraging new talents, started the show with musical and comedy performances from various upcomers. At 11:30, the anchor introduced the first performer Arapz who took to the stage, as fans cheered him. Also performing were Lagos based group Tuale, De Fresh, Lizzy, and De Swagg Boiz.

It was comedy at its best, as raw talent was discovered in Jewel who gave a 10 minute performance with a blend of music and drama. The VIP section, which had a variety of Star officials and select guests, couldn’t help but applaud the unique talent of the young comedian.

Another talent who also received applause was BMG, who was discovered at the Benin edition of the trek. He sang a tribute song to the late afro beat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Olaitan Olanipekun, better known as Dagrin.

His performance, which started at 12:12am ended at 12:30, as the young artiste dished out songs from Nigeria’s Bongos Ikwe, Sean Kingston, TLC, Bob Marley, Akon, Snoop Dog, Shaggy and more.

The Crystals shine again

The 2012 winners of Star Quest had one of the best performances of the night. The group sang Kanye West’s ‘All of the lights’ as Romeo the rapper took his time to deliver his harmonious rhymes that made the crowd cheer with joy. The Crystal ladies, Atinuke and Vivian, were not left out, with their striking and energetic dance steps. They ended their 20 minute performance which started at 12:50, with their own original song, ‘In Love with two Ladies’.

Home Boy Presh keeps the fire burning

Presh of the rested KC PRESH group was next. He performed a repertoire of songs from the old group in a 25 minute set, which featured a dance competition in which the crowd participated. Presh, who spoke before his performance said, ‘The audience should expect my new single…I don’t intend to release an album this year but singles all through.’

Mavin’s Tiwa Savage to the call

The first lady of Mavin records, Tiwa Savage was next, and she dedicated a song to the victims of the Ill-fated DANA flight that crashed on Sunday, June 3, 2012. Tiwa said, ‘I was afraid of flying since the incident occurred, but I had to fly for the love of the people of Uyo who love and enjoy my songs’. She also added, ‘It is a great opportunity to be able to work with talented producer Don Jazzy’. Her 15 minute performance started at 1:45 am. She sang a Christian song, ‘Great is thy Faithfulness’ in honour of the departed souls, Psquare’s ‘Do as I do’, ‘Kele Kele’ and more, even going into the crowd to mingle, to the excitement of the audience.

Nigga Raw: the Konji master sets Uyo on Fire

Eastern soldier Mr. Nigga Raw stole the show in his 40 minute act, leaving the crowd yearning for more. The stadium came alive as the singer sustained the tempo of his performance from the beginning to the end. He dedicated his song ‘I’m in love with an angel’ to the ladies at the event, while ‘Spiritual Konji’ went to the male folk. Uyo couldn’t have asked for more, as they responded to all his call and response songs; even asking for an encore.

Wande Coal came on at 3:00 am and had an energetic performance all through, singing songs from his vast catalogue. The rave of the moment Wizkid came on stage to join Wande, who handed over to him at 3:30. The EME singer and protégé of Banky W caused a big stir as fans struggled to get the black jacket he threw into the crowd.