11th August, 2015
Funsho Arogundade
On Saturday 8 August, the bustling city of Sapele, Delta State, recorded a record breaking attendance for a Star Music Trek concert as the city played host to the second round of the phase 2 of the 2015 Trek. The Sapele stadium, venue of the gig, recorded a capacity crowd of more than 11,000 eager fans.
As early as 8pm, the crowd was charged up and ready for a night of premium entertainment and they were not disappointed. First came a number of warm-up performances from the local Sapele talents who got the chance to thrill the mammoth crowd as part of Star’s commitment to giving young Nigerians a platform to shine.
The evening kicked off in earnest when Black Magic hit the stage with his characteristic energetic style, performing hits like Rainbow, Repete and Pass You By. Up next was Runtown fresh from his bare-chested antics in Makurdi. The crowd came to life as he performed Gallardo, Successful, The Latest, Bend Down Pause and the crowd favourite The Banger.
Versatile rap star Mr Raw came next on stage. He quickened the pace of the evening and delighted the crowd with his onstage antics. Clearly in a playful mood, his theatrics while performing Obodo endeared him to the lively Sapele crowd. Without warning he further increased the pace of the evening and got the crowd going wild when he performed Gyration. Apparently, this particular song is popular in Sapele and they could not contain themselves. Other songs performed by the Abia State-born rapper include, I’m In Love With An Angel, Spiritual Konji and his latest track Blow my trumpet with Fanzy Papaya.
Then came the only lady on the Sapele Trek: Cynthia Morgan. A visibly excited Cynthia, with her trademark red hair stormed the stage. Quickly she got down to business, moving the crowd with her catalogue of hits such as Popori, Don’t Break my heart, Lead Me On, German Juice and I’m Taken.
The night’s big surprise was an appearance by Sound Sultan, who came out of the crowd and took the stage with his throwback song Jagbanjantis. The song Mercies of the Lord came through the speakers as Sound Sultan interacted with the crowd, signalling the turn of Oritsefemi to make his appearance. The Afro-pop star soon ramped up the tempo with Redi, Sexy Lady, and Double Wahala. Amidst all these, he found time for a dance contest onstage where the winner was rewarded with N10, 000.
Dancehall star Patoranking was the next to hit the stage and the noise level went up a few notches as the hit songs came out: Daniella Whine, My Woman, My Everything, Alubarika, Murder, Girlie O, Emergency. He then invited Young Grey C on stage and together they performed Chukwuma Remix. He ended his performance by sharing the story of his musical career with the spellbound Sapele audience.
Then came the moment of the night when pop giant 2Face Idibia finally made his appearance onstage. At this stage the crowd got uncontrollably excited as a lady ran onstage and stripped off her clothes in front of him while a man in the audience was reduced to tears at the sight of the superstar. Quickly he launched into his bulging hit catalogue with songs like Rainbow, Implication, One love, African Queen, I Hate What You Did You Did To Me and several others. The crying fan’s night was made when he was granted a chance to take photos with 2Face onstage. Finally he ended his performance with the hit song Ihe Neme.
Speaking after his performance, 2Face said: “I have to keep thanking Star for giving both myself and the fans the opportunity to interact like this. I have performed all over the world for many different audiences, but I have never felt the kind of love I have felt on the Trek. These are the fans – the people who make it worthwhile to get up in the morning and do what I do. Entertaining them on this platform is a wonderful experience for me.”
Sharing his own perspective of the night, Edem Vindah, Corporate Media & Brand PR Manager, NB Plc said the essence of organising the concert platform is to connect young Nigerians to their dreams.
“We want to demonstrate to young people that anything is achievable once they work hard and show dedication. Tonight’s turnout shows just how many people are listening to this message. We are very proud to bring this platform to youths around the country and it is gratifying to know that we are having a positive impact,” he said.
The nationwide concert tour which has thrilled millions of Nigerian music fans for nearly two decades has a tradition of bringing the country’s biggest artistes together to thrill fans around the country and this year’s theme, “My Superstar Story” aims to inspire the youth to view their situations as a work in progress and to always keep their goals in mind.
The next point of call of the Trek is Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin on Saturday 15 August.