It is fair to say that Afrobeats Live event held quarterly has by far been the most consistent and successful Afrobeats dedicated event since the meteoric rise in 2011 in the UK. With much promised and expectation from last Sunday's event, the event organisers not only delivered a well organised and exciting show packed with quality acts, a venue full of celebrities and entertainment, but the organisers also introduced new elements to the event. An Award recognition presentation and an excellent comedy set.
Setting the right tone at the newly refurbished Jazz Café venue at 7:40pm Sunday 23rd August were decorative candle lit tables throughout the VIP area, the stage dressed in Ankara African fabric and ambiance of sheer class with a diverse audience from various parts of the world.
The event was hosted by Abrantee Boateng (Capital Xtra) who was on form and incredibly entertaining throughout the night; quipped with banter, witty punch lines and great introduction of each artist on to the awaiting crowd; Abrantee made a point to acknowledge his peers and some of the celebrities in the audience including BBC1 Interceptor actor OT Fagbenle, Game of Throne actor, Nonzo Anonzi, NBA basketball player Luol Deng who brought his entire team, Super-girl group, Shiikane, Woman4Africa Founder Wise Tola, TV personality Adesope and so many others announced as the night went on.
First on stage was the live band Empire Sounds, who performed a 10 minute medley followed by Shinestone, Ghanaian songstress Akua, K. Weezy. Belynda and finally Skata who performed his infectious singles 'Skank Anyway' and 'Kyanagwe' which had the crowd on their feet skanking.
The transition between each performance and Abrantee's banter filled introductions were seamless and air- tight.
The show had a short 15 minute interval giving the audience a chance to mingle with celebrities and acts while being entertained with music by DJ unbeatable.
Abrantee was truly back on form as he continued to entertain the crowd with an unexpected 15minutes sketch by KG, the comedian. This new element ticked all the boxes as the audience just couldn’t get enough of the funny African comedian and called for more.
KG's performance followed on the introduction of an award presentation to one of Afrobeats most sought after producers Maleek Berry, who was presented with an Afrobeats Music Awards for his Outstanding Contribution to Afrobeats as a Producer in 2015. His acceptance speech was humble while he had some advise for his peers packed in the audience with a standing ovation as he expressed 'This is my very first award and this is exactly what we need in our industry'
The emotional moment was captured by the press packed at the front of the stage; timed perfectly as Valentine the artist took to the stage with some of the most energetic dancers and choreography to impress an already excited crowd eagerly waiting for headliner Donae'o.
Abrantee returned to the stage to make the formal introduction to the king of funky house who has been infusing African beats and sounds for over a decade. The lights dimmed and Donae'o enters the stage wearing his quarter length Ankra top and large African beads to give the audience a 30 minute uninterrupted solo performance with just the live band. A tremendous showcase worth every penny that had the audience dancing, singing every hook and partying along with hit like 'Party Hard, 'African Warrior' 'Devil in a blue dress' 'Move to the gyal dem'and lastly performing his latest single 'Mami No Lie' . Donaeo showed the confidence and professionalism of a seasoned performer and had every single member of the audience on their feet moving and singing along.
The audience didn’t discard after Donae'o headline performance but waited for the final act NSG, a fast rising Afrobeats group consisting of 9 members from different countries in Africa. A group worth waiting for who showed off sleek dance moves, catchy hooks and packed the staged in a fashion reminiscent of the old so solid crew with so many talented personalities.
Afrobeats Live is exactly what is required in the thriving industry. A platform that showcases Afrobeats talent, is consistent, credible, entertaining for all ages and packed with class of artist who were all on time, professional, respectful and thankful.
With a full waiting list of acts dying to perform in 2016 and introduction of the Afrobeats Music Awards coming, it goes without saying that next year is going to be a great year for Afrobeats Live!
We hear that plans are already underway for the next Afrobeats Live at Jazz Cafe on the 29th November 2015 and tickets going online 1st September while The prestigious Afrobeats Music Awards that has sparked a lot of interested is planned for October 2016.
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