After a sold-out concept dubbed ‘the best concert of 2016’ by many music critics, media houses and fans of good music, Asa returns with ‘Asa Live in Lagos Encore’ due to popular demand.
Last
year Asa ended her "Bed of Stone” tour in Lagos with the Asa Live in
Lagos concert; this year, she starts the tour here in Lagos.
2017
is symbolic as it marks 10 years since the release of her critically
acclaimed, multi-platinum selling, self-titled debut album "Asa".
Bringing
all the elements, sounds, lights, emotions and lyrics that have made up
her life these past 10 years, Asa will be performing with her band and a
30 piece Lagos Orchestra on April 29, 2017 at the Eko Convention
Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites.
This concert and it's news reminds me of the previous one in 2016, where the singer created magic.
Prior to that night on February 5, 2016, Asa,
of worldwide fame, has risen to the top of African music, with her
alternative soul, immersive imagery, and vivid performances all across
the world.
But Lagos had been a virgin to
her performances. While starring as the headlining third party to a
number of concerts, never has she held a personal gathering to serenade
her home city.
That has changed this
night, in the most magical way possible. Held at the prestigious Lagos
home of big events, Eko Hotel & Suites, the hall was decked with
larger than life images of Asa, walkways, paths and wall-boards were
raised glaringly, with the singer striking every ‘deep’ pose possible as she stared down at her guests. This was Asa’s concert after all, and everyone’s gotta know it.
Proceedings for the night was dictated by veteran MC and OAP, Olisa Adibua. A man for the big moments, he came through with panache, and an astute control of crowds and entertainment.
There
were few opening acts, who prepped the guests for a night of live
music, deep soulful singing, and ethereal alternative singing. They were
chosen for their dexterity of their voice, and the industry of their
hands.Chubby and engaging, Isaac Geralds kicked off the opening acts sets he had a wooden gong to assist his deep singing, followed by soul singer, Kaliné,
who held hearts with a band of singers, as she masterfully took charge
of percussive and vocal duties. The piano was a part of her, as she
stroked with poise and abandon. The eclectic Falana had a perfect intro, drumming during a special remake of classic soundtrack, ‘Favorite Things’ , from the evergreen Sound of Music. She was to drop the drumming for the guitar.
Bez made the crowd go wild with his performance of ‘Stop pretending’, and followed up the tempo with ‘Zuciya Daya’, before taking us to his first radio hit ‘Stupid song’.
All the while he supplied his accompaniment, a guitar to go with. An
intermission was given for drinks, right after which international
vocalist and singer, Rachel Kerr made her entrance, thrilling with her singles ‘For you’ and ‘Hold my hand’.
…and then there was Asa.
The
crowd were given leave to roam for 10 minutes while the stage was reset
to fit her performance. The piercing rays of multi-colored light made
for eerie suspense, as the dark staged became visible with morbid
movement.
There were black shadows,
contrasting against the light that fed the spirit of the audience. That
spirit became more spirited with each passing second, there were shouts,
screams, and many more noises from the full spectrum of the human vocal
capabilities. Those voices became a crescendo of noise when Asa opened
up her magic, starting off with an anthem, before going through ‘Satan be gone’.
There was not a single chair occupied as the
floor took the brunt of the excitement, even Asa, was drowned above the
rapturous reception. ‘Eyo o, Eyo o’, she sang off as she
became one with the spirit. Previously the stimulant, Asa kept the front
seat of the emotions, but the audience had also found a way to lead, as
well as follow.
Songs came on in quick
succession, before the mood went low and the tempo received a great
reduction, it was sultry, it was cam…as the soulful ‘Bed of Stone’ was cued in. Asa took on the trumpet to serenade with a jazz rendition. ‘Dead again’ was a major highlight, as well as her evergreen classic, ‘Fire on the mountain’. ‘Bibanke’, and more.
The only act to perform with the headliner,
music man and pianist, Cobhams Asuquo, joined in the act, as he
dovetailed with Asa for a cover of Beyonce’s ‘Halo’, with each
performance, the mood grew promethean, changing in form, with Asa
dictating. She engaged in awkward dancing that was whimsical, and
ultimately playful. She even threw in a few half-dabs for effect. Other
songs ‘Jailer’, ‘Be my man’, came up, and the crowd caught up in the wave.
The
historic set lasted for 2-hours, with guests getting their money’s
worth. This was the first time Asa had given back to her hometown, and
she did receive the love and support from everyone. Only an elite and
ultimately few group acts in modern Nigerian music have the ability to
run through a two-hour set, and engage the crowd through it all. Asa
leads that group in style, pomp and aplomb.
Asa has held her first ever concert in Lagos. That concert was historic. And she is planning another one now.
Tickets are available at ariyatickets.com, nairabox.com, asaencore.com and all Café Neo Outlets.
Standard: N10, 000.00
VIP: N30, 000.00
Table of 10: N2.5 million.
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