In what many referred to as an eventful night for diverse reasons, The Obafemi Awolowo University became the latest institution to host the famous singer, Moses Bliss.
The event tagged “The Xpression Campus Tour with CDO” was held on Friday, 31st March at Amphitheatre and was hosted by The Corporate Emcee and Igwe Jerry.
Although the program was scheduled to begin at 5 pm, it did not officially begin until after 6 pm. Little did the audience know that more disappointments were to follow.
The show was put together by John Ikeotuonye, popularly known as CDO, an alumnus of OAU. He was excited to be back in his alma mater as he shared his experience with the crowd.
The concert featured many upcoming artistes (some would say too many) such as Gaise Baba, Testimony Jaja, Fido Cleff, Timi Phoenix and more, some of which were also alumni of the school. These upcoming artistes came up to promote their music and entertain the crowd in anticipation of the main headliners: Mike Abdul and Moses Bliss.
As the event began proper, the Christian students who had gathered for what had been anticipated to be worship ministrations were left in shock as the performers displayed dances and songs that seemed fitter for a Mushin street festival than a gospel concert.
“At some point, I thought I was in a Naira Marley concert,” a lady quipped.
Zero stagemanship; over-the-top ridiculous outfits; forgettable music and secular lyrics sprinkled with the words ‘Jesù’ and ‘Olúwa’ here and there to sound like gospel – it was nothing as we had expected. Where is the deep worship for believers to connect and pour out their hearts? Where is spirituality? Who is the guy in the huge red puffer jacket and sagging trousers yelling and rapping and bouncing like he was mentored by Asake? What was the aim of this gathering?
Mike Abdul, whose entrance had garnered much excitement from students eager to watch him live only served more disappointment. His performance began with an enthusiastic sing-along of his famous hit ‘Korede’ but failed to keep up the energy as he also launched into other boring, less-known Afropop-sounding ‘gospel’ music. He left the venue immediately after his performance and was not missed.
The next most anticipated artiste, Moses Bliss, was yet to minister though and so the audience waited in hope through the next boring performance… and the next and the next and the next ad infinitum.
The patience of many quickly ran thin as they were kept captive audiences for one quasi-gospel performance after another.
Hours passed and the atmosphere further degenerated as many trooped out in boredom and anger.
Circa 10 pm, the crowd, unable to endure any more, interrupted CDO mid-speech as chants of ‘Moses Bliss!’ filled the hall. The message was clear: ‘We know what we have come for and will not be stalled any longer’.
The highlight of the night came when the voice of the people proved superior and Moses Bliss finally took the stage to the excitement and relief of all. The already-scanty hall was packed to the brim again as more students rushed back into the building to witness the final ministration.
Beginning by leading everyone in prayers to revive spirits, then advancing to true worship and then a joyful dance-filled praise session, it was obvious that a real gospel minister had finally taken the stage. The singer performed various hits such as ‘Too Faithful’, ‘Spotlight’, ‘Daddy Wey Dey Pamper’, ‘Miracle no dey Tire Jesus’ and more.
In between songs, he shared his inspiring grass-to-grace story and charged the students to remain strong in the faith. The famed generosity of the singer was also evident at the program as he gave away #400,000 in total to some students: #100,000 to three students each and #50,000 each to two others.
He ended his ministration after 11 pm and in minutes, the hall cleared after him.
Those who had been patient enough to wait till the end will surely remember the powerful worship, charge and display of kindness and generosity.
On the other hand, without doubt, all who had been present (either till the end or not) will not forget the rollercoaster of emotions in a hurry – The initial excitement, the boredom, the disgust, the anger, the anticipation only to be crushed and the overall atmosphere of disappointment until the last hour.
Some would agree it was finally worth the wait in the end but I dare say, in this institution, the organisers would need nothing short of magic and miracles to pull any form of the crowd for future events ever again.
The event featured other activities such as a talent hunt, rap battles, and giveaways. It all officially came to a close around midnight with the raffle draw where numerous prizes such as branded t-shirts, face caps and AirPods were won.