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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • JUNE 19, 2016
ENtErtaiNmENt
with NsEoboNg okoN-EkoNg 08114495324, nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com
Dazzling Performance at Rhyme and Reason Concert
E
xpectations soared high last Saturday at the second edition of Rhyme and Reason Concert as different artistes came on stage to carry out surgical cut of words into provocative rhymes. From all corners of The Dome, Lekki, Lagos where the event held, lovers of rap, poetry, spoken word and even curious minds failed woefully in trying to contain their excitement. From the loudly applauded Preston and Jackie HillPerry performance of ‘The Fall’ to Ezekiel Azonwu’s performance of ‘The Letter’, audience members were greatly awed. True to the promise of the organisers at the press conference held the previous day, the concert lived up to its billing. The organisers had unveiled the line-up of artistes including returnees like Janette…ikz. Others included top local and international artistes like Jackie Hill-Perry, Preston Perry, Ezekiel Azonwu, Atilola, Plumbline, Or-Raw-Day, Gaise, IBK Spaceship Boi and DJ Mordu, who had etched their names in the golden hall of fame of rap, poetry and spoken word artistry. Convened by Atilola Moronfolu and Awele Chiedu, Rhyme and Reason kicked off in December, 2014 as part of a Rap and Spoken Word Tour in South Africa. It has since found acclaim as the only event that provides a platform for aspiring poets, rap and spoken word artistes in the country. Its first edition recorded a staggering attendance of 1,500 from different parts of the city of Lagos. This year, it attracted thousands from within and outside the country. According to Atilola, also a wellcelebrated Spoken Word artiste, the concert is a platform to use words as a tool of self-expression as well as an instrument for social change. “Rhyme and Reason is focused on continually creating new innovative ideas and platforms through which people, especially youths can come THE UNBROKEN PENCIL SHOW
Multi-talented comedian, and AY Open Mic Comedy Challenge winner, Ogechi Nwanevu Cyril, popularly known as Pencil, is set to stage the maiden edition of his highly anticipated comedy show tagged, Pencil Unbroken (The First Assignment) The show billed to hold on June 26 at the Muson Centre, Onikan will witness an impressive lineup of comedians and musicians who will be thrilling guest with rib-cracking jokes and mind-blowing musical performances on the evening. Comedians billed to thrill on what we will be an intense night of laughter include Alibaba, AY, Gordons, Ushbebe, Shakara, Teju Babyface, Romeo, Kenny Blaq, Okey Bakassi, Ajebo Dan d Humorous, Senator, MC Shakara, Wofai Fada, Funnybone, Seyi Law, and will be hosted by Caroline Hutchings. The night will also witness legendary Dj Jimmy Jatt on the turntables and musical performances from Iyanya, Phyno, Ice Prince, KCEE, Seyi Shay, Harrysong, Praiz, Oritsefemi, Yemi Sax, Reekado Banks, Yemi Alade, YCEE, Orezi, Vector, Mr. 2kay, Humblesmith, Sean Tizzle, Tjan, Rayce, Reminisce, and Bracket.
Preston Perry and Janette...ikz at the press conference
together and creatively express themselves, highlighting issues and challenges that affect their lives, with the view to proposing solutions by creating a positive narrative that resonates through the entire society and create meaningful impact,” she said. Waxing lyrical, she further stated that love is the central thing that drives every human being. “Love for our country, our youths, the arts and our fellow man, to name a few. To see our next generation empowered, edified and positively charged with taking the frontiers of this great nation beyond our imagination. Therefore, we all rhyme and reason.” This assertion was clearly demonstrated by the different acts displayed on stage. However, the most memorable moment of the night was when Ezekiel led a typical Nigerian worship session in which he literally stole the heart of his fellow Nigerians. TOWARDS A POSITIVE FUJI BRAND
Participants at the maiden edition of the Fuji Roundtable, powered by Goldberg Lager Beer, from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, have described Fuji music as the only Nigerian music brand that is devoid of foreign contamination.
Atilola and Plumbline on stage
They therefore identified the genre of music as a unifying factor for Yorubas living in the western part of Nigeria and beyond. As a result, they agreed that the music deserves due attention and concerted efforts towards taking it to the next level. The convergence of stakeholders,
(L-R) Sikiru Ayinde Agboola (a.k.a SK Sensation), Emmanuel Agu, and Olawale Obadeyi, at the maiden Fuji Roundtable, powered by Goldberg Lager Beer, an event held at the headquarters of NB in Lagos on Monday
which took place at the headquarters of Nigerian Breweries, included: Sikiru Ayinde Agboola (a.k.a SK Sensation), Chairman, National Project Committee of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria; Akogun Gani Balogun, cousin to the late Fuji Legend, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister; Olasoju Adebayo, General Manager, K1 De Ultimate Band; and Olawale Obadeyi, a Fuji analyst. They unanimously agreed that Fuji music has, over the years, contributed to the socio-cultural development of Yorubas in the region and beyond. In his keynote address, Olawale Obadeyi, traced the origin of this genre of music to the period when Were, the local brand of music was in vogue among the Muslim faithful. He acknowledged that the music has grown astronomically over the years featuring different artistes who have contributed in different dimensions to its development. He said the innovations brought into Fuji by those artistes have deepened ties across boundaries in the region. “Each Fuji artiste, evidently, is pushing the limits of creativity. The horizon of Fuji music has been astoundingly widened,” he stated. Sikiru Agboola, who corroborated