Ali Baba
Everybody seems set for this year’s edition of comedy merchant Opa Williams annual ball tagged The Evening. Scheduled to hold on November 25 at the Muson Centre, Lagos, Williams through his media Company, Media Image Managers, MIM, disclosed that this year’s The Evening being done in association with the Nigerian Society for the Blind, is the “perfect Christmas gift” anyone can give to loved ones. The comedy merchant and film producer said the event will turn out to be the “biggest and most unique ‘charity’ ball in 2012” as three tables in the high profile ball have been reserved for members of Nigerian Society for the Blind with over 30 per cent of proceeds being set aside for the procurement of Brail machines as well as other visual support materials for the visually impaired. “We wish we can get guard dogs too but in this part of world, trained dogs that act as guards for visually impaired people are not popular,” Williams said.
And why is The Evening unique? The man who made comedy a money-making machine with the introduction of his premier comedy show, Nite of a Thousand Laughs 16 years ago said: “The Evening is not a concert; it is more than a concert. The Evening is a different platform that is unique and a perfect gift you can give your love ones, business partners and friends. This brings us to the question: which Christmas gift do you look forward to getting from anybody? A goody bag, hampers, bags of rice, a holiday at Obudu Cattle Ranch or other resorts in and outside the country or even cards…but here in Lagos Nigeria, we offer you an unforgettable evening in The Evening-a perfect gift.”
The high profile event Williams said offers a platform where people of similar interest meet and network while they savour unique entertainment with a superstar Afro hip hop artiste, Tuface performing all his songs backed by the 50 man Marina Choir Orchestra.
The Evening, a perfect one for that matter is what is planned for the upwardly mobile on November 25. It is a carefully packaged minutes and hours of novel and exciting all round entertainment specifically made for those who have read, understood and exhibited what style and taste is all about, who wants to give an alternative Christmas present to their associates, clients and top staff who have regards respect for those whom they value and have added value to their business and life space. The Evening, Williams reiterated is for those that crave a special and quintessential outing devoid of modern noise and crowd.
The audience members will have a feel of what it’s like with Tuface sparing with the Marina Choir-The Spirit of Africa, a 50 man piece Orchestra, choristers, horns men strings and percussion. The Nigerian international award winning Tuface will be performing his songs backed by the Marina Choir. “It’s not been done before in Nigeria, that a popular hip hop star like Tuface will go the classical music way. It is better experienced than talked about because rehearsals have started between the two parties.” Also in the bill of performance in The Evening is Iroko, a classical African dance beat which is a rare refreshing and delightful display of African drums and sounds. Ace comedian Ali Baba will show why he is often referred to as the ‘King of Comedy’ while multi-talented singer and producer, Cobhams Asuquo will be on ground to prove that being visually impaired is no impediment to making a success of any career. And to wrap up performances for the evening is gospel artiste, Buchi, who has a unique reggae feel to his music. “All these will be watched while guests are being treated to a three-course meal and exotic wines on the card,” Williams said.