Afropolitan Vibes: Victor Olaiya and Keziah Jones in performance

Victor Olaiya

It was a fitting way to end 2014 as highlife music legend Victor Olaiya rode the stage at the December 19 Afropolitan Vibes, which continues to grow into a veritable live music hangout for many young Lagosians.

The success of the AV has made it an event to look forward to every month due to its eclectic atmosphere.

And since the move to the main stage of the Freedom Park, the crowd has seemed to increase and become more diverse than when the show was at the smaller theatre stage.

Blufunk singer and guitarist Keziah Jones also performed on the night. Although I interviewed him sometime in 2011, it was my first time to see him play live.

Though he only did about three songs, his dexterity on the guitar was not lost on crowd as the women called out for him to take off his shirt like he has done in the past mainly with European audiences.

Perhaps not wanting to divert the attention of the crowd from the music or due to the different sensibilities of the Lagos audience, KJ decided to keep the shirt on. I'm glad he did.

Keziah Jones

January's Afropolitan Vibes will take place on January 30 with expected performances from 84-year-old highlife legend Chris Ajilo, neo-soul singer Bez, Afro hiphop artist Ajebutter22 and R&B sing Ruby Gyang hosted by the 13-piece Bantu collective.

Afropolitan Vibes: Ebola Can't Stop the Music

Weird MC performing Ijoya

Even as Lagosians have become more cautious of handshakes and hugs in the days after the Ebola virus disease began claiming lives in the city, many citizens still gather in public to have fun and enjoy live music.

For the patrons and followers of the monthly live music Afropolitan Vibes at Freedom Park, Friday August 15 would not be forgotten too quickly.

When veteran rapper Weird MC took to the stage to perform her legendary hit songs Allen Avenue and Ijoya, all they could do was applaud as she shared fist bumps all around with the audience.

“Forget Ebola,” she said, ‘make we chop knuckle” as she greeted the fans before getting them in the groove and making sure they understood that she still “own[ed] the dance.”

While we danced, it was easy to forget about all the bad news and just revel in the moment. After all, the spirit of Lagos cannot be cowed by any “gaddem” disease.

Other performers on the night were Show Dem Camp, Isedale and founder of the Afropolitan Vibes, Ade Bantu and crew.

 

Next base jare.

Ade Bantu and crew