Lasun Alagbe
Many people who recently gathered at the Heritage Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, recently savored unique musical vibes that pierced the soul and caused the body to wrinkle. It was at the ‘Ibeji Day3’, an annual show dedicated to the celebration of twins. Perhaps because twins are special children, the programme exuded uniqueness both in terms of its offerings and presentations.
At the forefront was energetic and charismatic enigma, Ibeji, an alternative artiste who is also a twin. Ibeji is one of those uncommon musicians who combine intellect with talent as well as passion for cultural heritage to produce what can be stunning and memorable. To Ibeji, who donned a wig to suggest that, in music, time is a continuum, art is not an accident – unless one turns the accident into an art. Many of the twins at the event were, more or less transformed into the seventh sky based on the vividness of the fun they shared.
As also captured in a review by R&BPR, after serenading the global music sphere with Tribal Marks, his third record last year, Ibejii stayed true to his promise to serve up delightful tunes seamlessly woven with classic jazz; this time, appreciating the mysterious nature of ‘Ibejis or ‘Ejima’.
Poetic icon Akeem Lasisi, opened the floor of the sensational event by serenading the fans with harmonious Yoruba “ewi”. Wale Wall followed with mesmerizing guitar riffs, further swaying the audience on a journey of extraordinary goodness before Ibejii took to the stage.
Avant-garde crooner, Ibejii, who has since become a mainstay in the alternative music sphere, once again prove the range of his vocal prowess by entertaining fans with Eda, Aye, Itiraka, Solape, Bamidele among others, hit tracks from his outstanding discography.
Refreshed by Guinness Africa special, the audience could not get enough of Ibejii’s extraordinary art of skillful storytelling embellished with folklore, metaphor and vernacular. He explored traditional Yoruba folk, jazz, dance, RnB, Juju among other genres as Brymo Olawale joined him on stage to perform his last song of the night – Alaigboran.
Born a twin, Ibejii is aware of the different Twins experience across ages, hence, creating an atmosphere of music, storytelling and unlimited fun with Ibejii Day.
Stay close to the unfolding action by following Ibejii on social media via @ibejiimusic on Instagram & Twitter. Also look out for his second edition of #TILX – The Ibejii Live Xperience coming up in June.
