Lagos music fans were treated to beautiful performances of Fuji and Juju music by frontline musicians including Sir Shina Peters, Adekunle Gold and Ibadan-based Fuji Sensation Taye Currency from Friday night until the early hours of Saturday during the semifinal concert of Ariya Repete.
To delight of the excited fans at the National Stadium in Surulere, Adekunle Gold opened his performance at the concert with ‘Orente’ before singing ‘Ariwo Ko’, following up with ‘Friend Zone’ ending his set with the widely popular ‘Pick Up’.
There was a rare display of artistry and music rendition amidst heavy percussion known with Yoruba music, as 32 contestants took turns to perform and show their music talent and stagecraft within the five minutes allocated.
The judges at the concert which included Champion Kunle Opio, Adebayo Faleke, Ace radio broadcaster, Alhaji Sikiru Agboola -SK Sensation, had a tough time selecting the finalists because of the plethora of talents on display.
Ten musicians and six drummer groups were selected to progress to the final stage where they will be competing for the grand prize of N2 million.
Sir Shina Peters who will turn 60 on his next birthday this May, was full of energy during his performance. SSP as he is fondly called sang from his popular Albums including Ace, Shinamania to the delight of his fans. His performance was followed by The Bonsue Fuji croner and Adewale Ayuba
The highlight of the night was the performance by Fuji Sensation Taye Currency who gave a very good account of himself. Taye currency took time to eulogise Lagos and Ibadan cities. He also used the opportunity to sing about his relationship with Pasuma and Saheed Osupa. The concert ended with the thrilling performance from the King Saheed Osupa.
Commenting on the event, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout brands, Emmanuel Agu, said “We are deeply impressed by the performance of the artistes so far and can’t wait to reveal the latest Juju and Fuji music greats to the world. That is what Ariya Repete is all about: developing and promoting indigenous Yoruba music, artistry and drumming talent, and Nigerian Breweries is glad to be leading the charge in that regard.”
The event was a reunion of sort as musicians Including Admiral Dele Abiodun, Segun Adewale, Champion Kunle Opio, Wale Thompson, Alhaji Kabiru Akanni popularly known as Baby Barrister. Other guests at the event includes Sulaiman Ajobiewe and Dele Fagboyo, the anchor of Aajirebi TV show.
The grand finale of Ariya Repete 2018 is scheduled to hold at Trans Amusement Park, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on May 11, 2017 where the winners in the different categories will win a cash prize of N2 million each for Juju and Fuji categories while the winner of the drumming category goes home with N1 million.
Ariya Repete, an initiative of Goldberg, from the stables of Nigerian Breweries Plc is an expanded music talent hunt platform that seeks to promote and develop indigenous Yoruba music that includes Fuji and Juju music genres.