Laolu Akins, Yinka Davies, Dayo Kujore, Stella Monye Light Up ThrillerBandz@Theatre Liveband Competition
Veteran musician and ace producer, Laolu Akins of the BLO fame, will take the centre stage as he gives mentorship talks to artistes at the first edition of the ThrillerBandz@Theatre Liveband Music Challenge.
Other notable old school musicians expected as judges at the event are Yinka Davies, an old hand in judging musical contests; the popular Oko Mi Ye crooner, Stella Monye and the Soko music exponent, Dayo Kujore.
The liveband music challenge, aimed at reviving live band music, is an outdoor event slated to hold from Friday, 17 December to Saturday, 18 December.
It is put together by Evergreen Musical Company Limited, Lagos, in collaboration with National Theatre and endorsed by Lagos State government.
The event which is a first of its kind concert will feature 50 livebands from different ethnic backgrounds in a music contest and each band performing their own original song and song of popular Nigerian music icons of their choice.
Also expected to grace the outdoor music contest, taking place within the vicinity of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, are some other young and veteran artistes.
The brain behind the idea and Managing Director of Evergreen Musical Company, Bimbo Esho, said the event is put together “to ensure the continuous relevance of livebands in the state and also encourage originality among upcoming Nigerian musicians.”
Speaking on the choice of speakers and judges at the event, she said they were carefully selected, given their pedigrees and their contribution to the growth and development of the Nigerian music industry.
Esho said: “Veteran music producer, Laolu Akins, will be giving few minutes mentorship talk to the participating artistes in order to boost their morale.
“Laolu Akins is a musician and was member of the popular pop group, BLO. He was also the producer and brain behind the evergreen songs of Adewale Ayuba (Bubble) and (Ace) by Sir Shina Peters.
“Yinka Davies, one of the judges of this event, has been a pioneer judge at different music contests, including the popular Nigerian Idol music reality show.
“Davies is an all-rounder artist who have shown outstanding skills and performances in music, theatre, choreography, backup vocals, etc.
“Veteran Samba Queen Stella Monye, who is popular for her song, Oko Mi Ye, has contributed immensely to the entertainment industry.
“Not too long ago, she organised about 104 choral voices from Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education Music Department to celebrate the 56th birthday of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at an event held in Lagos.
“Soko Music exponent, Dayo Kujore, a veteran Juju musician has been in the music industry for over 40 years, having received tutelage from Prince Adekunle in the 70’s as a lead guitar player before eventually forming his own band.”
Bimbo Esho assured that The ThrillerBandz music challenge will, no doubt, will be fun-filled, adding that will be held in a relaxed environment with unique ambience, colourful lightnings, maximum security and in strict with compliance COVID-19 regulations.
