By Victoria Ige
Wizkid is no longer a learner.
The superstar hit-maker totally stole the show last night, as he joined his Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) colleagues to present the label’s first-ever Christmas concert.
‘The Baddest’ concert, promoted by R28 Events, in partnership with EME promised to give Lagosians an unforgettable concert experience, and Wizkid was the principal reason they lived up to that promise.
The youngest and tiniest of the pack, Wizkid stood out from start to finish – and it was not just because of his glittering costumes and accessories. From opening the show (with the apt song ‘Baddest Boy’), after Banky W, Niyola and Shaydee gave an impressive rendition of the Nigerian national anthem, to his performance with Wande Coal, Ice Prince, D’Prince and Davido, Wizzy gave the show of his life, working with the live band, and DJ Xclusive to deliver a concert live never before, as he had promised in one of his interviews while promoting the concert.
‘The Baddest’ concert is bold in many ways: The promoters R28 chose a label that had only two prominent acts – Wizzy and Banky – and built the entire event around them and their crew. No international act, no local additions; the venue, Oceanview was a clear departure from the usual Expo Centre of Eko Hotels; and the big budget event held with zero corporate sponsorship.
But if it appeared EME was super confident, it was not without reason. Their partners R28, the events company that created and executed the show, went all out – transforming the grounds at Oceanview into a remarkable atmosphere where excellent lights and sound combined with well delivered sets to give what turned out to be a near-impeccable production.
From Niyola to Skales, Banky W, Shaydee and Wizkid, the individual and group performances showed substance – the kind of substance missing from most concerts here.
Sexy and daring, Niyola, who has waited for years for this shine time, worked with DNMT dancers to deliver an interesting solo performance (starting off with Unpredictable ft. Skales) on what’s possibly her biggest stage yet. Plenty lessons for the talented singer to learn on how to occupy the stage and deliver a breath-taking live performance. But it appeared last night she’s started off well
And Skales, the gifted rapper who’s giving singers a run for their money, rocked his set, at different times, like a pro. Running through his own cuts (including the ambitious and braggadocious ‘Heading for a Grammy’ ‘O Poju’, ‘Komole’ and the new single ‘Afro Pop Style’), and joint materials with Wizzy and the rest of the team, SK worked the audience, with thousands throwing fists in the air and singing along as he showed his prowess.
Perhaps EME’s best-kept secret, the singer Shaydee did not come across as someone co-headlining such major concert for the first time. All blinged up and hyper, the new signee made his label look good, with a voice that clearly tells you this one is a pop star that’ll soon be occupying the charts.
But it was Banky W, the EME chairman that shone the most – glittering all night in fab costumes that blended well with the lighting. W took fans back and forth, from Ebutte Meta to Strong Ting, Lagos Party and more. And the singer played the boss well, coordinating the many star-studded sets, and joining individual acts to light up the stage. Banky has since gotten used to taking his hat off, but he will need to get used to giving us more of his slow R&B cuts. His R&B set (with cuts like ‘Tiff my kele’ ft. Waje and ‘Strong Ting’, ft. Cobhams on the keyboard) was the highlight of his performance last night, reminding us all over again why well loved him in his early days.
If Banky needs to focus more on ballads and blues, then Wizzy, the life of last night’s show, needs to move further into his pop groove, because it’s clear that in no time, he’ll be fit to occupy the throne in that nation. The young singer absolutely had a blast as he worked through his repertoire of hits, supported by buddies Davido, Ice Prince, Wande Coal, Lynxxx and D’Prince. And, for someone who’s fond of performing to a backing track, he worked the live set like a maestro, staying in full control as he delivered unbelievable (and apparently freestyle) versions of hit greatest hits (imagine Pakurumo in reggae mould) while engaging the fans in call-and-response and wild dance…
As the boys closed the night with a group performance of ‘Nobody can stop us’, no one could argue; in fact, from the looks on the faces of the many pleased fans, it was clear no one would try to.
