It was a night of sweet music at the Gbedu Music Village as different artistes namely Latoya Aduke, Buga, Afrobeat musician Baba Ani, Jemiriye and the host and Gbedu master, Kola Ogunkoya among others took their turns to serenade the audience.
Tagged ‘Pansa Pansa Night’, the evening got music lovers drooling and dancing to great music of yore at the venue located at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
The evening show which wore into the next day began with Olufesobi Folusho popularly known as Mandela Trumpeter, who played some great highlife music via his trumpet to get the party started. He was classic and gave a powerful performance.
Latoya Aduke, the wife of the legendary high life musician, late Orlando Julius entertained the audience with songs like ‘Onisuru’ composed by her late husband.
Buga whose real name is Jesse King and known for hit songs like ‘Buga’, ‘Mummy O O Ma Pe laye’ that pays tribute to motherhood, was at Pansa Pansa night and dished out his brand of music.
Bugga bought excitement to the mix and made everyone dance to his music as the percussionist did a good job.
Labule who had his own entourage of drummers also tantalized the scores of music lovers that formed the audience.
Speaking on her performance and the show, Latoya said, “I sang ‘Eni lokan and ‘Onisuru’! It was an interesting night of nostalgia. The house was full and they vibed to our songs. I felt good to be able to perform small sha…. Especially when the band leader was Orlando’s guitarist…. And a few of our members of Nigerian Allstars were there as well.
“The dancers were wonderful!!! Kola Ogunkoya had organized a tight backing band for most artists. Two dancers came from Orlando’s band so they already knew the moves. It was a gathering of great musicians backing musicians from various bands like a Family reunion of musicians.
“It’s definitely worth going the distance which actually is not that far. I am hoping to do Orlando Julius Tribute at Afro Beat Café,” says the American music artiste and dancer.
Jemiriye, the Paris-based musician serenaded the audience with songs like ‘Onidodo’ made popular by Fela Kuti. The musician, soul diva and culture ambassador, who sang sonorously, was part of the highlight of the show.
Adefolaju Michael, the trumpet who played with Ras Kimono and Orlando Julius also showcased his dexterity with the trumpets, playing different songs of yore. He was hailed by his colleagues who made great reviews of his impact into the music world via the brass instrument.
Bayo Ali, the educationist and lover of great music was there.
Other artistes like Showboy, Abbey Afowoslide, Donnish, the young sax player and singer, Baba Ani, late Fela Kuti’s band manager of Egypt ’80 Band performed well and made many to remember the good years of unadulterated Afrobeat music.
