by Sola Fasasi

On Saturday Oct 2, History was made as the Kwara State Government brought the best in Nigerian and global Entertainment live to Illorin, at the state’s official Nigeria@50 concert conceptualised and promoted by Outpost Investments and sponsored by the Kwara State Government with support from major co-sponsors Dana Airlines, Dansa Juice, Aquadana Water and Powerhorse. The event, which was also the official opinion of the Metropolitan Parade Ground, built by the state government, was produced and managed by Storm 360, the leading entertainment company in West Africa.

“Special mention and thanks must be made to the Govt and people of Kwara States for being such gracious hosts and for providing a great audience,” said Obi Asika, CEO of Storm 360.

It was a loaded line up with emerging stars Lynnx and Ikon kicking off proceedings around 6pm for what would be 9 hours of continuous entertainment, with International DJ Neptune backing up all the Nigerian performing acts except Mo Hits and P-Square. After the first performance, next up was Sauce Kid who gave a huge hi-energy performance and definitely won over new fans with his fast growing new classic Edondeymadt, then General Pype who ensured that the whole of Illorin could stand tall as Born Champions. YQ was next and held the crowd down for almost 40mins running through all his collaborations, his own hits and we found out that YQ is already major out in Kwara. Sasha quickly followed YQ and even from backstage when she made her entry it was clear that Illorin was ready for her to do her thing; she held the stage as only she can.

Naeto C was up next and ran through his catalogue, introducing the massive crowd (in excess of 40 thousand) to his new massive hit 10/10. Naeto worked them into a frenzy with hit records like Ki Ni Big Deal, Asewo, Duro, Ako Mi Ti Poju, and U Know My P. Other performers were Tony Tetuila, who happens to be from Kwara State and he used that home advantage to good order. After Tetuila, up next was Wande Coal with his hypeman Special Ed, working the crowd into a frenzy.

After Wande Coal, the man of the hour Akon stepped up, delivering a 2hr set with over 29 hit records. He delivered a high energy performance that was unmatched all day and night; he worked that crowd into a frenzy. Whether it was jumping into the crowd 9 times, or using his magic ball to work the people, Akon kept everyone under his spell for over 2 hours and then just like that he was gone. After Akon, the Kokomaster Dbanj delivered a 80-minute high energy set with his full band who he ran like a conductor with an orchestra, giving classic hits like Tongolo, Loke and the infectious Igwe, Falling in Love and Suddenly. He took Illorin apart, ably assisted by Wande Coal.

Approaching 1am, the stage was set for P-Square who mounted the stage in green and white, with their full band and delivered an amazing 90min set, proving why they are the biggest group in Africa. The guys gave pure value for money with major hits, solid singing, amazing dance steps and kept the energy high level in that amazing crowd.

All in all it was an incredible event, with amazing fireworks, a 100,000 watts sound system, massive jumbo screens and state of the art production, anchored by Olisa Adibua who ran the stage for close to 14 hours.

The event was filmed by Storm 360 and over the coming weeks it will air on national and continental platforms, other media present include Studio 53 extra, Hip TV and of course NTA Illorin.

Oluwapelumi