On this faithful day while at work, I got a call from the organisers of World Economic Forum on Africa (WEF) saying I had been selected to render the national anthem at the cultural soiree night. I felt humbled and excited at the same time. I am sure, it wasn’t only butterflies running around my stomach, the cause of the thrill could not have involved butterflies alone.
Yes I have been singing professionally for well over a decade and I have sung at various occasions but this meant a lot to me. You ask me why? Let me elucidate. This is the first time Nigeria was going to host the World Economic Forum, a momentous and global event where nations will come Nigeria, to seek the benefits therein, engage us in high level discussions, enter into deals and transactions that will benefit both parties, see our diverse and rich culture among many other things. Now, to be called to participate in my own little way of rendering the national anthem was for me very exhilarating. It is true that there are reports all over of unrest in the country but somehow, we must all find a way of seeing clearly even in the midst of rain and WEF was one of such. It was good to know that thousands of people made their way into Nigeria despite the news reported about us even internationally.
A smooth flight it was to Abuja and the assigned coordinators were on ground to take all the artistes performing to their hotels.
After resting for few minutes, we were all taken to the venue, International Conference Centre, (ICC) for rehearsal and sound check.
Once again, I am made to remember that putting up a good event takes a lot of work. A lot of preparation behind the scene just to ensure the T’s are crossed and the I’s dotted.
After breakfast the next morning, we all headed for ICC for the final rehearsals and it was an awesome experience. One after the other, each of us took to the stage and leaving for the next act to come up.
While I sat down after my rendition, I watched each act go up stage and leave once done. As it kept happening in that format, I reminisced on life, people I have lost to one thing or the other and my interpretation for that was ‘life is indeed a stage, we all come, act our roles and once done, we exit the stage’…life!
After the rehearsals, we all went back to our hotels to change into our outfits for the night and we all headed back to the venue.
“The cultural soiree night of WEF is finally here” I thought to myself as I walked into ICC. The hall had completely metamorphosed from how it was when we were rehearsing. Beautiful young ladies in African prints that had the colours of the Nigerian flag, Green and white, smiling warmly and standing in their given positions with gifts for guests as they came into the hall.
Immediately you leave where the girls are, to your left is a table with various gifts made with African materials for all guests so, you walk there and you make your choice.
A red carpet that stretched from the entrance to the tip of the stage, tables covered in fine white damask and African-print fabric with green and white patterns laid beautifully on each table. Sitting on each table were superbly selected flowers in round glass bowls, the chairs were covered with white fabric and of course, there were various intercontinental and African cuisines gracefully displayed for all to see. A beautiful sight indeed!
Gayfully dressed guests from around the world, one after the other, began to come into the hall. I couldn’t be in the hall for too long because all artistes performing for the night had to be back stage but the gorgeous attires and scenery I saw holds an endearing memory I am not quick to forget.
The President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan and his wife arrives, many other dignitaries were already present and then I am called forward to render the national anthem. There I was standing in front of the Nigerian President and other Presidents from around the world, about to render the anthem, Shuga band played for me and as I began to sing, the words of the anthem of this great nation came alive to me, I thought of all we are experiencing as a nation, the more I thought of it, the more the lyrics came alive and after the last line of the second stanza “…to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.” I gave my salute and walked away from the stage.
One after the other, the other artistes came up for their performance, Timi Dakolo, Lagbaja, Asa, King Sunny Ade, Dbanj, Flavour to mention a few. After this, the President came up to give his speech and thanked everyone who came to celebrate with Nigeria even in such a time as this.
After a series of events that included a fashion show of our rich heritage, children’s performance showcasing various Nigerian cultures and many other highlights, it was time for the President to leave and once again I had to render the national anthem after which he left but guess what? The ‘party’ continued. It was fun to see our foreign guests’ dance all night, enjoying the Nigerian music like never before and not wanting to leave the hall.
After all I have said, are you still asking if I enjoyed every bit of the soiree night? I leave that for you to answer on my behalf.
I am indeed grateful for the opportunity given to me by the organisers of WEF and like the lyrics of the Nigerian national anthem, I pray for this great nation that the ‘The labour of our heroes past, shall never be in vain’.
