Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports that Afrojazz artiste, Brymo recently delivered a high-energy performance at an exclusive show tagged Johnnie Jazz and Whisky at a Victoria Island-Lagos venue called The Backyard
If he had any premonition, it was not entirely his. It may be argued that the supposed feeling of gloom was the general mood coffered by the organiser’s insistence that guests be dressed in black. Apparently inspired by the brand, Johnnie Walker Black Label, the revelry was to honour Nigeria’s independence and it was tagged, Johnnie, Jazz and Whisky– the first in a series of quarterly jazz fusion music nights. The maiden experience held at the exclusive bar and grill The Backyard, in the heart of Victoria Island, Lagos. But Brymo started his performance with an announcement that he was feeling sad, having lost a dear one.
There was not going much talking. His songs are already loaded with striking narratives, anyway. He needed to launch into it fast. Many had waited for this moment. He read the mood correctly. He was ready, but not before teasing them.
The instrumentalists struck the tune for ‘Oleku’ the Ice Prince in which featured, but wait for it! He took them as far as the hook and dropped it off. As they thundered in encouragement (and perhaps in disappointment), he started singing ‘Ara’. This was a satisfying substitute. They turned away from the previous destination of sound that he was leading them and followed him down the new path chanting, ‘ara mbe e ti mo fe da’.
Incidentally, his band had no backup chorus girls. However, seeing the enthusiasm of the womenfolk in the audience, no one missed the official chorus party. Whatever song he came up with, they were ready to go with his lead and haul back the chorus. This was more evident in the tune, ‘Good Morning’ with the refrain, o ya sebi ayonge’ (show off like a younger woman).
His current single, ‘Alajo Somolu’ also attracted a lot of excitement as did other songs that he delivered in his inimitable style. Perhaps, the only hint that he was mourning was that he restrained himself from his usual tendency to take off his top on stage and expose his bare chest.
Brymo delivered a high-energy performance singing as if he could never lose his voice and as if he’d spent years taking detailed notes on what history’s greatest afrojazz performers had done before him.
But the show was not all about Brymo. Guests were also entertained by Mavin artiste, Johnny Drille. The Jazz Band opened their set with a scene-setting instrumental before wading into their repertoire of original and cover materials. Drille opened his set in an unapologetically soulful fashion, spreading a sense of an intimate living room performance around the venue. Label boss, Don Jazzy sat front row encouraging the crooner with every vocal note.
Guests were seated facing an art installation stage where The Jazz Band, Johnny Drille and Brymo performed. In between performances, guests indulged their palates with the Everest of the whiskies, Johnnie Walker Black Label, perfectly-paired delicious canapés. Each treat was designed to open the taste buds, bringing the flavours and aromas in the whisky to the fore.
The guest experience started at a custom-built whisky bar where World Class Regional Champion bartender, Kelvin Oduntan treated guests to a bespoke tasting experience. The one-on-one exercise started with a quick nosing of the Johnnie Walker Black Label designed to encourage guests to discern the unique characteristics of the whisky.
From the scenery to the music to paired canapés, every moment of ‘Johnnie, Jazz & Whisky’ was carefully curated to deliver a blissful night under a starry sky.
