Lagos, 5 April 2011: MTV’s new celebration of live music, MTV Live, kicked off in spectacular fashion at Tribeca on 1 April as Nigeria’s entertainment industry came out in force to celebrate the launch of MTV’s voter mobilisation campaign, Choose or Lose.
Fans mingled with the stars, rocking along all night to lavish live beats and tunes from three of Africa’s greatest talents – J Martins, Fally Ipupa and 2face Idibia – as well as mad mixes from the iconic DJ Jimmy Jatt and Rhythm 93.7’s DJ Humility.
To many fans who were unsure of the aim of MTV Live, MTV’s only Nigerian VJ C-Von explained, “The first edition of MTV Live is themed
around Choose or Lose, MTV’s voter mobilisation campaign, and is designed to inspire and empower young Nigerians to exercise their
right to vote ahead of the on-going April elections.”
MTV Live started on a high note with J Martins and his band taking guests through his repertoire of hits, calling on Fally Ipupa to help out on their collabo, Jupa Remix.
As anticipated, the highest point of the event was Fally Ipupa’s performance. The crowd cheered Ipupa non-stop as he gave his first full live set performance in Nigeria, showing more of the star quality that wowed music fans at MTV Africa Music Awards. Ladies clad in ‘We Love Ipupa’ T-shirts surrounded the stage, waving and urging on the popular entertainer. “I don’t speak too much English but I love you,” French-speaking Ipupa was overheard to whisper to his adoring fans.
2face Idibia, who closed the show, also demonstrated yet again why he has is the undisputed King of Nigerian Pop and Nigeria’s biggest musical export. With his usual eclectic combination of genres and styles, and an excellent backing band, the multiple MAMA winner delivered the goods and kept the crowd on their feet till way past 2:00 am.
As well as delivering electrifying performances, Ipupa and J Martins took time during their individual sets to get the Choose or Lose message across, encouraging young Nigerians to vote in the April elections, and to ensure that they participate actively in the democratic process. In spite of the threatened curfew, MTV Live attracted fans and celebrities from all over Nigeria, pouring in en masse to see Congolese superstar Ipupa perform. Among the many famous faces in attendance were Ikechukwu, Don Jazzy, Wande Coal, Mo’ Cheddah, Goldie and Jaywon. Other guests included Dr. Frabs, Wale Tinubu, Olisa Adibua, Baba Dee, Waje, K switch, Bolanle Okhiria (Winner ofKoko
Mansion), Ilami Akio (Winner Next Movie star) and Kenny St Brown.
