#LamideLive... at #asaLiveInLagos encore

Hi guys, Lamide Akintobi here! How is May going for you so far? It's been a busy couple of weeks, and whenever life gets hectic, I can't help but reminisce about the most recent things I've done that made me happy. For me that was the May-Day holiday - A holiday weekend is always chock-full of activity, and this one was no different. May Day weekend was LIT!

On April 29^th, the incomparable Asa came back to Lagos for her “Asa Encore: Live in Lagos” concert. I’d never been to an Asa concert, although I’ve seen her perform at other events. But I knew, from reviews of last year’s concert, that it was an experience I couldn’t miss again. So off I went, ticket in hand, to experience the magic myself. Unfortunately, due to ticket hustling outside, I missed a couple of the opening performances, but I caught Aramide, Lindsey Abudei, Funbi and Omolara. Aramide put up a great show as usual. I’m definitely a fan. I have to say I was hugely impressed by Lindsey Abudei, because despite a restless crowd and sound glitches, she managed to keep her cool and wow us all. I don’t envy any performer in front of thousands of people when there’s a problem going on she can’t fix, and literally has nowhere to run. Next, Mr. Funbi and his sweet voice came on, after which Omolara, who I knew of only as a songwriter, came and slayed! Beautiful songs, beautiful performance. I’d pay to hear this group of performers in a small venue, any time.

Eventually, (because it seems inevitably, Nigerian events just don’t start on time), Asa came up on the stage and the magic began. 

Pure magic!

Weaving her stories through all her songs with help from her amazing 30 piece orchestra and backup singer/manager/sister/friend Janet, Asa was on fire! She shared funny stories (she said she may turn to stand-up comedy if this whole singing thing doesn’t work out) to a poignant story of how she got signed in France, even showing us her flirty side during one of the songs, when she sat on the lap of one of the orchestra members to ask him if he had a girlfriend. From ‘Awe’ to ‘Moving on’ to classics like ‘Eiye Adaba’ and ‘Be my man,’ the crowd laughed, sang along, and I know I got my entire life. 

Asa and her amazing 30-piece Orchestra

When she sang my personal favorite diss track ‘Bimpe’ – you could hear the sheer joy as people joined in. And yes, I said diss track. Ask a Yoruba person to translate that song for you and you’ll know what I’m saying is true J With a set like that, accompanied by that orchestra, eve the set design and lights contributed to the magic - staying on your tush all night wasn’t an option, VVVIP or not! 

2 outfit changes and many songs later, the event was over and we all went home, basking in the afterglow of Asa’s magic. 

Don't I look dazed by the magic? Lol!

Lamide, signing out!

#FreshAndAlternative Byno shines as Gold hits happy ears

A very happy Matthew hung out at the "Gold" listening party. Here is his report.

"On a night with every member of the YBNL family present, as well as OAPs, pressmen and many other artistes including Bez, Tjan, Falana, Falz, Phyno, Pepenazi, Yung L and Uzikwendo, Adekunle Gold treated us to a newsworthy listening party.

Matthew with Douglas and VJ Adams

Matthew and Falana

Some might have been dismissive when they first heard a cover of One Direction's 'Story Of My Life' by a certain new-ish name back in 2014. Little did they know that was the beginning of a fresh sound of alternative music in Nigeria. 

 Adekunle Gold has successfully concluded the maiden Chapter of what has now become a new sound that has brought together and even unveiled many of his kind. The photoshop expert, who only dated girls he never met (words of the host on the night, Dotun) has now become the voice of true endearment.

The YBNL soldier treated his audience to an unplugged feel of GOLD and a night of unforgettable performances.

Despite starting over 2 hours behind schedule, largely due to the fact that many attendees were unable to surf through traffic, the event kicked off on a very refreshing note.

Label hypeman and OAP, Dotun, greeted Adekunle Gold’s parents and introduced indie artiste, Ric Hassani to start the night with, "Gentleman".

Ric's amazing performance was not the only thing noticed, but the fact that the live band captured every single detail of the song. In the midst of that applause, Byno appeared before the audience and just as everyone thought his rendition would be just a cover of Adele’s 'Hello', he instead delivered a medley, switching from that to Drake’s 'One Dance' and Kevin Little’s 'Turn me on' and then a native song. He then went on to Alicia Keys’ "In Common" and Kiss Daniel’s "Mama".

The mood Byno created was a dope blend of absolute awe and humour, leaving the audience at a crossroads as to whether to clap, cry or laugh. Just as everyone thought his session was over, Byno turned to the band for what he described as a 'Byno Party'.

  Aramide was next and her new songs "Funmilowo" and "Iwo Nikan" drove the audience crazy. 'The Voice' favourite Chike was next, and then after was Simi. 

  Adekunle Gold rounded up the night, supported by a fantastic Band, a standing audience and the brain behind the mixing of every song of GOLD, Simi. Pick Up wrapped up an extra-ordinary night and the audience were wonderful to delay hold on the night till around 11pm"

#4pminLagos Alanis Morisette updates 'ironic' for Social Media age

If you have ever had a conversation with me about music, you will know how highly i rate Alanis Morisette. So imagine my delight when i stumbled on this hilarious video of her performing 'Ironic' with some new lyrics. Lol.
It was on 'The Late Late Show with James Corden' and i think they both killed it.
Enjoy!

#TBDaily x #ThingsTosynLoves Joe covers Adele

I was randomly checking instagram out on Sunday when i stumbled on Joe's cover of Adele's "Hello". Yes. Joe of "I Wanna Know" and "Good Girls".

I love Adele's version so you know i was scared to click but click i did and guess what? This is so emotional, deep, grown and makes you miss your ex in sexy way.





What do you think?

#4pmInLagos One Mic Naija is on August 30th!

Lagos is agog as we have announced the date for Nigeria's coolest concert series, One Mic Naija.

Scheduled to hold at Ember Creek, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, this month’s edition of the show will hold on Sunday, 30th August, 2015.

 Over the years, One Mic Naija has consistently delivered top notch performances with top music stars treating music lovers to quality live music. Recently, artistes like Korede Bello, AKA, Iyanya, Reminisce, Jesse Jagz, Kiss Daniel, Koker, Cynthia Morgan, Ayo jay and Bez have all performed and there's much to look forward to for this edition!



The last edition of the event held on Sunday, 28 June, 2015, and it witnessed several exhilarating performances from artistes like Bez Idakula, Koker, Sojay, Tomi Odunsi, Efa and Fefe. One Mic Naija is Nigeria’s coolest fully live concert which holds bi-monthly.

It sets out to provide artists the platform to present their music to fans in a very intimate setting, while also mingling and collaborating with fellow artistes. The well attended event has 'fans' like Banky W, naeto C, Wizkid and M.I who have all attended in the past.


Don't forget to stay glued to 'onemicnaija' across all social media platforms for performer announcements and more!