Its summer time in Lagos and the weather is relatively dry with surprise showers one day and sunshine the next. Wednesday July 27, 2016 was no different; it drizzled in the early hours but was cloudy with a bit of sunshine for the rest of the day. The perfect weather for an open air concert and brand launch, the venue was the Eko Atlantic which is still a few years away from completion but an excellent location with lots of adjoining parking space.
The event was the unveiling of the ‘One Lagos’ brand; brain child of Lagos State’s Honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker. From online research I gathered that it would hold from Wednesday to Friday July 29. According to one article the commissioner was quoted thus, “The ‘One Lagos’ brand was conceived to drive economic growth across all communities in Lagos by ensuring that we take advantage of our population, its density, its wealth and its culture by focusing attention on community consumption to grow and deepen Lagos tourism assets.”
The article went on to list the carefully and specially planned activities lined up for the three-day action packed event. The free event would feature performances by top rated musical artistes, comedy, cultural displays and fashion shows. The kids would not be left out as there were scheduled entertainment segments for them as well.
I could hardly wait, once it was closing time I headed to the Eko Atlantic venue, vendors were still setting up tables and chairs but the stage was set. Armed police, soldiers and civil defense men were there in large numbers; the looks on their faces already a deterrent to any would-be troublemaker. Suddenly hungry I grabbed a Shawarma and headed backstage to see the MCs and DJs who were old colleagues of mine. Coincidentally, I ran into an old friend too; funny man Julius Agwu who was looking good.
Soon enough the crowd had swelled up and the MCs kicked things off by introducing cultural dance performances. Then upcoming musical acts and comedians had their time … I particularly enjoyed the ‘Don’t drop the Mic’ improv group. DJs Spinall and Neptune had a set each before afropop crooner Sexy Steele did his thing with his dancing turning all heads.
It was at this time the MC Jimmy asked the audience to sing a ‘Happy Birthday” to the man of the moment Hon. Folly Coker.
The last performance was from one of my favorite Nigerian acts – 9ice; he wowed the crowd with quick renditions of his many of his hits.
Then MC Bonus closed the curtains on an exciting first night of ‘One Lagos’ at the stroke of 11pm.
I applaud the initiative and intend to be there for the Friday closing. If you can’t make it to the rest of the shows here’s some good news. In order to further entrench the ‘One Lagos’ brand’ in the minds and hearts of Lagosians, Hon. Folly Coker has promised that the celebration will continue on a monthly basis with a series of scheduled events up until the celebration of Lagos State @ 50 and beyond.
Sounds good to me…
