What happens when an acclaimed actor decides to showcase his skills in music and dance? Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports on an interesting evening featuring Wale Ojo on stage
You know Wale Ojo as an actor. His face is prominent in movies like ‘Alter Ego’, ‘Fifty’, ‘Kalakuta Express-inspired by Fela, ‘Phone Swap’ and ‘Meet the Adebanjos’. I bet you did not reckon he could sing up a storm. Recently, NMO Management and PR Limited offered him its premium platform, One Nite Live and Unplugged to showcase the musical side to the multi-talented skills of this award-winning actor.
His grand performance at the Nine Zero Degrees Lounge in Victoria Island, Lagos was originally backed by instrumentalists from LoudnProud’s One Sound Band. Wale opened his performance with a Luther Vandross classic,
Songs made popular by Kool and the Gang, Carlos Santana and Bob Marley were given a unique Wale Ojo treatment that surprised many in the audience. Anchored by music producer, Ambassador Elajoe, the show was taken to a new refreshing height, when Wale asked the distinguished crowd to applaud the One Sound Band. Unknown to them, he was preparing the ground to bring on Milagro Band, particularly to perform the Fela renditions with him and a song, ‘Wajewa’, which he said he heard and fell in love with in South Africa.
Showcasing his dance skills and music agility effortlessly, he bent over and rocked like only his close friends know of him. At his age, Wale proved to have quite a flexible body. He twisted and turned at many delicate angles that many younger persons dare not try.
He was also joined on stage for a live jam session surprise collaboration by music icons Gloria Ibru and and music royalty, Muma Gee who took the already charged atmosphere to fever pitch to the delight and excitement of all present including VIPs in attendance Legend & icon Frank Osodi, Satchmos Jazz fest head Mr. Oludolapo Ajayi, fashion guru Ovo Ogunfere, Abi (Ember Creek) and Obukome Ibru.
Ngozi Omambala whose company, NMO created the LoudNProud brand has segmented them into three distinct products including the LoudnProud Live Series -multi artiste live platform, keeping real live music pomping every last Thursday of the month. There is the Great Break Through, (GBT) Auditions, which is a talent platform for aspiring artistes. It holds every third Thursday of the month. The One Nite Live is the premium stage for established artistes.
