….Marvelous Benjy, Tony Tetuila, Baba Fryo, 9ice, African China, Korede Bello also performed By Benjamin Njoku Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos was more than just a venue last Sunday night. It was filled with lovers of old-school music, nostalgia, and a massive celebration of a legend. The crowd didn’t just come to party or mark Daddy Showkey’s 50 years on stage. They came to reconnect with the icons who ruled the airwaves in the 90s and early 2000s. And they got exactly what they expected. From the first beat to the last, the concert delivered pure nostalgia. Old-school anthems filled the Convention hall of Eko Hotels, sparking non-stop dancing and sing-alongs. The atmosphere was electric, transporting both the audience and performers to a bygone era, reminding them of a time when music was not just entertainment, but also a therapy and a force for social transformation. For many fans who grew up on that era’s sound, Daddy Showkey didn’t just perform, he rekindled memories and brought a golden age of Nigerian music back to life. The night officially kicked off at 9:40pm with Cobhams Asuquo on the keyboards. He set the tone with old-school classics, including Bob Marley’s “One Love”and Daddy Showkey’s “Move On”, getting the crowd warmed up for what was to come. Moments later, the man of the night, Daddy Showkey, climbed the stage. He opened with his timeless hit “Move On! Move on!” and got an instant standing ovation. He followed with “In The Ghetto”, taking the audience straight back to his street roots. Reflecting on his longevity in the music industry, Daddy Showkey credited his success to his faith, consistency, and commitment to delivering music with substance. Honour for Vanguard, Danladi Bako One of the biggest highlights was his appreciation of Vanguard Media Limited. The singer invited Vanguard Saturday Editor, Mr. Onochie Anibeze, on stage to thank the newspaper for being the first in Nigeria to publish a story about him. In a documentary screened before the show, Showkey recalled his early days with music group De Pretty Busy Boys alongside Cashman Davies, Daddy Fresh, Sexy Pretty and Roland Okafor. “We used to trek across Kirikiri bridge after school and pass by Vanguard,” he said. “I told myself one day Vanguard would write about me. And true to that dream, Vanguard was the first newspaper to publish my story. It meant everything to me.” He also paid tribute to the late Ogbonna Amadi, former Entertainment Editor of Vanguard, describing him as a mentor who “shaped me into the person people know today.” Other honorees included veteran broadcaster Danladi Bako of NTA and actor Harry B Anyanwu, who were recognized for their contributions to Showkey’s journey and to Nigerian entertainment. Showkey recalled when Danladi Bako used to invite him to appear on the popular NTA programme, “Morning Ride.” Outside the stage, he repeatedly paid tribute to Danladi Bako. Showkey grooms his successor To prove his 50-year journey was real, he also brought out acts that recreated the early days of his career, silencing the doubters in the process. The ‘Ghetto Soldier’ got the loudest cheer when he introduced a 13-year-old boy he’s grooming as his successor. The youngster, who’s very skilled in acrobatic displays, has been following Showkey since he was 4 years old, mirroring Showkey’s own story of starting at age 6. He also brought out another talent, Wilson, who he said started following him at age 10. On stage, Wilson mimicked a cock’s crow and had the entire hall cheering. To everyone watching, it was clear: Daddy Showkey has already raised his Ajegunle successors, and they’re ready to step into his shoes. In a touching moment, Showkey also brought his two elder brothers on stage to relive memories of his journey. He used the opportunity to urge parents to document their children’s talents and growth, saying it’s very important. In the spirit of the celebration, comedian AY, who anchored the night as MC threw jabs at 2Baba. Jokingly, AY said “Una know say 2Baba na my former neighbor before dem relocate am to Benin/Abuja. But the way things dey go so, e be like say he go join me back. I dey observe things. Una think say na only me go dey alone? You understand wetin I talk abi? Una dey observe abi?”. He later introduced the next act, Marvelous Benjy who came on stage representing “from the ghetto” and delivered a four-song set. Then came Danfo Drivers with their iconic anthem “Danfo Driver”. The hall went wild as fans sang along, reliving the old vibes. They followed it up with “Kolobo ” with joy radiating from the faces of those in attendance and, for a while, worries seemed to dissolve beneath the weight of the undulated oldies. S
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