Gentleman of fuji music, Adewale Ayuba, is still trying to keep his gentleman’s status. Apart from the fact that he has practically survived the scandal trap for which the entertainment industry is notorious, he pulled a surprise not long ago when he announced that he had become a Christian. That the story remains the same played out on Monday, when he performed at the Epe centre of the One Lagos Fiesta featuring many artistes, and which will last for eight days. From his dressing down to that of his band boys, you could smell the simplicity governing his artistic instinct. In the simple buba and sokoto he wore, he delivered his compact but exciting performance in calculated rhythm that kept many dancing on point. After dishing out some of his old numbers, the artiste who broke into the limelight through his Bonsue Bubble album, gave a slice of ‘gospel’ fuji when he burst into the popular Christian song, ‘There is something making me coming to your presence/ My helper…’ Of course, he paid homage to Lagos – especially the Lagos of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who was also at the event alongside his wife, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, and many other dignitaries. The musician performed My Lagos, a song he recently released on Ambode’s achievements. By the time popular comedian, Omo Baba, who was the master of ceremonies, described Ayuba as ‘the most educated fuji artiste’, no one was in a hurry to argue with him. Interestingly, while Ayuba was ‘doing his things’ at Epe, another fuji act, Sule Alao Malaika, was also thrilling Lagosians at the Agege centre of the OLF. His stage craft largely contrasted with that of Ayuba. Super (if not hyper) active on stage, darting from one end to the other, he kept his fans breathless throughout his performance. Back to Epe, however, the huge crowd saw a Peter Okoye who was obviously determined to make his new-found solo career a success. His performance was prolonged but it was never boring. He engaged the audience in dialogue, just as he created a mini competition among some of them. In terms of songs, he never lacked in content and style. Some discerning stakeholders may, indeed, choose to give him the highest mark in the area of dance – which is generally believed to be the forte of his estranged twin brother, Paul Okoye. Peter not only tried to dance out his heart, he also showed evidence of serious work in terms of the chemistry between him and his band members. Only a man out to prove a point would quickly invest in such a well choreographed team. Another major act of the night was Sir Shina Peters. SSP, as he is otherwise called, has also proved that he is a great performer from one show to the other, as he demonstrated when he rattled the Eko Hotels and Suites during the grand finale of the All Africa Music Awards a few weeks ago. He tried to maintain the record again in Epe on Christmas night, but a rite he needed to fulfil took much of his wit. This is the urgent need for him to salute Ambode, who he not only described as a performer, but also thanked for a special favour that he, according to SSP, the governor recently did him. While acclaimed artiste, Tuface also asserted himself in Agege, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma was also at the centre stage at the Bar Beach, where he had a great time. The OLF continues across the zones, just as stakeholders are looking forward to the grand finale on December 31. Well, based on the opportunity the OLF has given many artistes since it came on stream three years ago, they seem to owe the government some kudos. For some of them, even if no business comes throughout the first 11 months of the year, December ending is bound to fetch something, courtesy the OLF patronage. The project has, indeed been kind to old artistes, who are usually forgotten in the scheme of things. But the government says it means beyond keeping the artistes busy. According to the governor, the OLF is part of a grand idea to energise the art, culture, entertainment and tourism sector.
Ayuba, Pasuma, Atawewe maintain tempo at OLF
