Yes, the Olympics fever is gradually wearing thin and a new type is taking its place with supersonic speed. Now don’t get me wrong; I am not also talking about the paralympics which is going to kick start in about a forthnight, I am talking about no other news than the London invasion by Nigerian and African entertainers. You heard me! Best of Nigerian and African music is set to take centre stage as London is awash with the “Dbanj and Superstar Friends Concert”, “Africa Unplugged Concert” and of course, “The Nigerian Corner” at the annual Nottin Hill Carnival.
So I am asking, where would you rather be? At the HMV Apollo on August 27, 2012 where all is set for Dbanj to go Oyato with Omo Baba Olowo himself (Davido), May7ven, Vibe Squad and like he did with his last concert at the same venue (then with MoHits), who knows, Kanye might just breeze in with Kim and perform that ‘Perfect Bitch’ song. Dj Abrantee will be playing host on that day and intending attendees can get the chance to be up, close and personal with the stars for a fee of £500 (that’s about ₦123,500)!
Or will you rather be at the Wembley Arena on the same date where another top of the bill concert tagged “Africa Unplugged”, is set to hold? Already touted as the biggest African music show piece event in Europe, this year’s festival has on its bill the likes of Grammy nominee, KORA winner and scion of the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti- Femi Kuti, TuFace Idibia, Congolese super star Fally Ipupa, Ghanian rapper Sarkodie, Zahara, Barnaba Boy, Flavour, Angolan Windeck crooner Cabo Snoop, Chameleon, Madtraxx, Winky D, Dj Arafat, Iyanya, R2Bees, Zakes Bantwini, Dj Edu, Mic Inity and many others. This is like an amalgamation of African superstars all set to perform in one night.
Not forgetting the second biggest street carnival in the world Notting Hill Carnival 2012 is also set for the same day, though billed to hold earlier in the day. The Nigerian Corner would see the likes of Sir Shina Peters, Olamide, Buchi, Muna, Wale Gates and so many more performing from 12noon till about 7pm. Even though there are alot of choices to pick from on the same day, the Notting Hill Carnival is in a class of its own.
One thing is certain, all three events are bound to be an experience of a lifetime with a large turn out of Nigerians and lovers of African music expected.
