Latoya Aduke, Jemiriye, Buga, Baba Ani, others thrill fans at Pansa Pansa night

The Gbedu Music Village in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, was abuzz with excitement as music lovers gathered for the highly anticipated “Pansa Pansa Night”. The evening concert, which wore into the next day, featured a star-studded lineup of artistes, including Latoya Aduke, Buga, Baba Ani, Jemiriye, and the host, Kola Ogunkoya.

The show kicked off with Olufesobi Folusho, aka Mandela Trumpeter, setting the tone with classic highlife music on his trumpet. Latoya Aduke, wife of the legendary Orlando Julius, wowed the audience with soulful renditions of her late husband’s compositions, including “Onisuru” and “Eni Lokan”. Buga, known for his hit songs “Buga” and “Mummy O O Ma Pe Laye”, brought the house down with his energetic performance, while Labule’s entourage of drummers tantalized the crowd.

Jemiriye, a Paris-based musician, serenaded the audience with Fela Kuti’s classic “Onidodo”, showcasing her soulful voice and cultural ambassador status. Adefolaju Michael, a trumpet player who worked with Ras Kimono and Orlando Julius, impressed the crowd with his mastery of the brass instrument. Other notable performers included Showboy, Abbey Afowoslide, Donnish, and Baba Ani, who led the Egypt ‘80 Band, Fela Kuti’s former band.

The evening’s anchor, Tunji Somitrin, did an excellent job introducing the artistes and performers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for the audience. The musical director, Segun Onanubi, provided exceptional backing for all the performers, while Kola Ogunkoya’s brother, based in South Africa, surprised the Gbedu master, adding to the night’s excitement.

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Latoya Aduke praised the event, describing it as an “interesting night of nostalgia” and expressed her desire to perform an Orlando Julius tribute at the Afro Beat Café. The Pansa Pansa Night indeed lived up to expectations, celebrating the richness of Afrobeat music and the talents of these renowned artistes ¹.