Sing with Joiy Live!

In Nigeria, especially in Edo State, Benin City to be precise, not everyone has a reason to have a great night out on the town. So you can imagine how delighted people were to see a star-studded program tagged ‘Sing with Joiy’ Live! By my friend, Joy Okobi. It was the combination of music and discussions on the issue of abuse and abandonment of the girl child.

When I first heard musicians such as J’odie, Liora, Big Splash, Dr. Foy. Kemkedis (my friend Mrs Fidelia Uyi), my girl Annivon (Ann Eguavon), my buddy Freon (Barr Frank Ohikhuare); comedians like Efex, Paul and Zina; last but not least, my pastor, Mrs Osamen Arheghan would be performing, I knew it was a musical night not to miss. But beyond the ‘Cause’ and star studded appearances a few behind the scene activities made this program irresistible to me. One of which was the calibre of people working to make this program a success – the likes of the great sound engineer Uzo Nwabudike, Sunny Snares on the Drums, Eze Osisiogu and Kelvin Brave on the guitar, my church Choir members as the backup singers, Philip Asaya and Teajay Chunu (CEO, Imaginit & DOTBOB publishing) as organizers, the list is endless. Also, from the sound check the day before, I couldn’t wait to attend the program. Then there was Joy’s articulate and professional interview published in Vanguard Mobile [http://www.vanguardngr/2012/06/i-like-giving-without-holding-back-joy-okobi] on the 9th of June.

Although I arrived ‘fashionably’ late, I was able to enjoy most of the great performances of the night. The speakers of the day were eloquent and surprising brief, the talk show was partly interactive and the guests on the show included Miss Uniben 2012 (Lillian Unabu), award winning designer for Niger-Delta 2010 Joan Edwards and Dr. Osa Tosan. Turnout was impressive with a few dignitaries in attendance like the representative for the Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Dev. in Edo State, Mrs Comfort and the State Head of Standard organization of Nigeria (SON) Benin Office, Mr Akogun. The audience were so responsive especially when Jodie climbed the stage and sang ‘Under the mango tree’ and her hit single ‘Oh Baby (Kuchi kuchi)’. When Joan Paul & Annivon gave soulful renditions of their songs, the audience erupted in screams. Even when called upon to make contributions for everyday people (Miss Lizzy Onouha & Mrs Ada Peters) doing extra ordinary things through their upcoming NGOs (total Girl International and Success Youth Foundation respectively), the audience were ever supportive.

It was a great event and I had a blast! I hear the next edition of the program would be coming up soon, who knows, it might just be where you live. One of the things that amazed me was that it was pulled together by people that I know personally. Right now I feel so blessed to even be known by such talented individuals and I’m inspired to dare for the seemingly impossible feat because greatness is achieved in essence by ordinary people following their passions. You too can achieve great feats of monumental proportions if you put your heart to it. So go on and Soar.