One of the impressive stories that arose on the first day at the ‘City of Friends’ event, Ikechukwu Joel or ‘Champane’, as he is called by his friends, showcased his other talents with the support of his friends. Pushed and implored onto the stage for a freestyle on the American rapper Desiigner’s ‘Panda’ beat, the hairdresser wowed the whole crowd, with his friends hailing him loudly throughout his mesmerizing performance. The following day, he was listed as one of the artistes to perform at the event, alongside Cynthia Morgan, 9ice, Ycee and Seyi Shay.

2. THE MOMENT MR. INCREDIBLE INVITED A COUPLE ON STAGE FOR ‘ONE NAIRA’

Blessing Aniukwu is a big fan of the Chocolate boss. When he finally got the chance to rap alongside the superstar, he immediately leapt on stage, followed by his girlfriend of 2 years. A perfect performance of ‘One Naira’ followed, as Blessing left the stage with the promise of an opportunity to record with the Nigerian rapper and a live performance at the Industry Nite.

  3. MEETING NEW PEOPLE DURING A VOLLEYBALL GAME

Nothing says friendship, collaboration and companionship than volleyball – a game where trust and respect are needed, and one that can never be played alone. With the games available at the event all re-emphasizing the essence of friendship, a lot of new relationships started in Lagos at the ‘City of friends’.

4. THE LEGEND, 2BABA WITH M I ON STAGE

2Baba opened the event in grand style on the final day. For one hour, the legend had everyone screaming and singing along to his hit tracks, which only got louder when MI Abaga joined him on stage.

After paying his respects, M I even became a back-up singer for the maestro for a few minutes until 2Baba left the stage for the rapper to perform. It was blissful to watch.

5. M I AND PHYNO ON STAGE TOGETHER IN THE ‘CITY OF FRIENDS’

 After the event, M I said his performance “…felt like passing the baton. I was on stage performing with 2Baba, and then Phyno came on and joined me. What remains consistent about us is our friendship everywhere we go.”

One thing that was so obvious to everyone during the event: How delighted Phyno and M I were to perform together on stage.

6. THE GATE LEADING TO THE ‘CITY OF FRIENDS’

The first thing anyone saw upon going into the venue was the entrance gate to the ‘City of Friends’.

Yes, it was big and massive. Yes, it was necessary to manage the crowd entering the venue. But the message on the structure: ‘Welcome to the City of Friends’, stands for more than the music, the dance or the games.

The highlight: For 72 hours, everyone who went through the gate had a purpose – to connect; to celebrate and to appreciate one another.

While performing on stage, Femi Kuti recommended that the ‘City of Friends’ should become an annual event. We are definitely hoping that it does.

7. MAKING NEW FRIENDS

Anyone can have a good time while drinking alone. But you can choose to have the best time of your life with friends over a bottle of “33” Export. Last weekend said it all.