The OAU Concert organised by Markay Entertainment was held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Afrika Amphitheatre.
The concert started around 5:30 pm with hypes from the first set of MCs (Dammy Cares and Diamond Godswill) and musical performances from Tolu and Kizz IB amongst the audience. This was also the moment when the audience was urged to follow Facity, one of the sponsors of the event.
The OAU concert had in attendance approximately forty OAU artists who performed. From the sensational IBK to the vivacious Maka, the theatre was filled with exhilaration as everyone grooved to the music, letting go of all inhibitions. The audience danced wildly, shouting lyrics at the top of their lungs with the feeling of pure freedom.
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Some of the artists who enacted their presence on stage are Flower Boy, Sam Kyz, Kryztal, Yankoly, Alpha J, Tomy Gray, AY Virtuoso, ADJ, Sheydan, Cezie, Obisco, Levi, Dorattw, Phalill, G Dave, Bpop, Ewa, Zameel, BMJ and a host of other incredible artists.
In addition, there was an evocative dance presentation by Dance Planet and a painting exhibition of Gilmore and Friends by Flowki.
The show was interspersed with performances by a live band, icebreakers, dance competitions, and giveaways all organised to retain the attention of the audience.
Yinka Salawu, a veteran Nollywood actor, graced the occasion and interacted with the audience with humour. The high table also housed the presence of Muyiwa Adigun (the producer of ‘Pelumi’), Babafaros, the CEO of Kings’ Cab, and other high-rising entertainers in Ile-Ife and beyond.
Among the sponsors who we are Yummy Flavour, Safari Studio, Tutoria360, and Facity.
By 11:27 pm, Gilmore, Stonecold and Paper Chaze graced the stage to the delight of everyone. They executed their skit performances and received, with gratitude, the headshot painting made of them. Although the arena became a bit tense when Stonecold refused to do the traditional ‘ìdọ̀bálẹ̀’, the tension was doused with hilarious inputs from the MCs. The event came to an end at about 11:45 pm, with interested attendees moving to the O2O3 Lounge for the afterparty.
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A few attendees shared their experiences of the event. Fizzy from Biochemistry said, ‘The event is interesting. I just feel the organisers should reduce the number of singers next time. We should have many other creatives apart from singers to show their talents.’
‘I love the event but it’s just that it took too long. People were already leaving towards the end because it was getting lengthy’, another attendee remarked.
He continued, ‘The event was amazing and I enjoyed the performances. I just think they should have reduced the number of artists that performed. It was somehow tiring. Also, I feel this is a sort of wake-up call for the female community to be more involved in music.’
Ife said, ‘It was a very enjoyable event, but I was getting tired towards the end because there were so many artists performing. Gilmore and Friends only came for a short while, and many people were present because of them.’
‘Also, on the percentage of female artists that performed, I think it is their choice. Although there are many female artists in the Nigerian industry, I think the percentage here on the OAU campus is just low compared to that of the male counterpart’, Ife concluded.
However, the organiser of this showcase, Markay, clarified the difference of opinion with an ACJOAU correspondent. According to him, the event was meant to support and elevate OAU artists.
‘The event that took place was titled ‘OAU Concert’. It was held mainly to celebrate and recognize the excellent performances of artists we have here at home in OAU and to showcase their craft. Bringing in Gilmore and Friends was an addition to the event,’ Markay expressed.