Special Report (BlackPressMagazine.com) by DC Livers for Black Press Magazine
Global hip hop: Find out more about global hip hop stars Paul "Play" Dairo and Zdon Paporella and the hot new Afro Beat music in our Black Press Africa Project.
Nigerian music fans witnessed the much-expected second edition of the ThisDay Music Festival organized by Leaders & Company, publishers of ThisDay newspapers.
2Face Idibia, the hot international Afro hip hop and R&B star who was recently named an ambassador to the United Nations, performed at the two-day concerts took place on July 14-15, 2007 in Lagos, Nigeria.
The musical extravaganza grew in stature after Beyonce, Jaz Z, Missy Elliott and other American musicians performed in the inaugural Nigeria event last year.
"Coming at a time when the emerging music industry in Nigeria is in dire need of global attention and enormous investment, the Thisday music festival is not only making Nigeria's decision-maker pause and take a second look at an often over looked sector; but it also tells the rest of the world, that to ignore the notes and tones coming out of Africa's largest country, is a risk not worth taking. Following the debut last year, global media attention immediately shifted to Nigeria, as Beyonce sang the Nigerian national anthem; Ciara greeted fans in Yoruba and Jay Z proudly endorsed the green-white-green," according to columnist Ayeni Adekunle.
Born Innocent Ujah Idibia in Jos, Nigeria just outside of the capital city of Abuja, 2Face was joined by two of Nigeria's most recognizable comedians, Ibu and "I Go Die." The concert was attended by thousands of people and was held at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.
It is surprising to many, that despite a huge followership in Nigeria , spanning over a decade, it is the group's debut in the country. UB 40 is also visiting other African countries, especially South Africa this month.
Meanwhile, as the anticipation of the arrival of the international artistes reaches a feverish level, home based Nigerian musicians who will also be performing live at the festival have unanimously confessed to Glitterati that they have more that a few surprises up their sleeves. While individually lauding the concept and execution of the annual music festival, Psquare, Asa, D'Banj, Mode 9 and 2face Idibia all expressed delight at the opportunity to hit the festival stage, where they are expected to thrill over 15,000 fans.
In an exclusive interview, Peter Okoye of rave duo Psquare admitted 'it's very nice to be part of the ThisDay music festival. We feel good to be part of it. It's the biggest concert here and it's a great thing for us to be involved this year'. On their plans for the concert, he says 'we will definitely do two songs from our upcoming album. And we have some surprises in store for our fans ' No. I won't like to let the cat out of the bag now. Let's keep it down low for now until the day' he insisted when pressed for details.
Mode 9 who, like Psquare is making a debut appearance at the show, woke up from a late morning slumber last Thursday June 28 to talk about his biggest engagement so far. 'The organisers will know they chose me and I did my best', he says, adding that 'my performance will be a classic hip-hop performance. I'll be performing with my DJ; DJ Tommy. Most Nigerian acts don't use DJs we'll do something very special'. The 'something special' for the Questionmark act, who had battled obscurity and under-celebration, before getting a deserved break in 2006, includes, according to him, 'a song that'll shock people'. And, according to sources close to him, 'some collaboration with some Questionmark stars and another act people won't expect'. Mode 9 was at the ThisDay festival in 2006, where, as a guest, he watched some of his favourite rappers rock the mic; confessing all through the show, that he wished he was 'up there' doing his thing.
While Mode 9 was tucked in the audience last year, pop icon 2face Idibia climbed the stage and rendered fans' favourites from his debut album 'face 2 face'. The 31 year-old charmer returns this year to repeat the magic and deliver fresh hits from his second solo album 'grace 2 grace.' Idibia, who is currently in Spain , was not available for comments. But his manager Joice Ize-Iyamu, speaking from London , assured that 'fans will see for the first time, an elaborate live performance of 2face's new album'. It's a wonderful experience to be part of the festival this year again. It means we did well last year. Last year the new album wasn't out. Now we have a new album it's an opportunity to perform the new album live and, in case you might want to know, we have a few surprises up our sleeves ' she confessed to us in a telephone conversation.
Surprises will not be all for self-confessed rap queen Sasha who plans to give '110%' at the festival. The debutant said she was not surprised when she did not make the bill in 2006. 'I told people that if my materials had been out, I would have made it. So when they came calling this year, I wasn't surprised. I was only surprised that the timing was earlier than last year. This is my year and I intend to give my very best.'
