Again, Ola Balogun’s Iroko band shows class

Iroko high life band thrills Africans and people of other races in an unforgettable performance at the band’s Easter Sunday event

 

One thing that distinguishes Iroko high life band from any other music or dance ensemble is its style and the fact that the group reinforces African renaissance.

This important theme of rebirth and revival of African arts and civilization is vigorously championed by Iroko and its promoters both within and outside the country.

Gradually, this assembly of professionals in performing arts are showing the way by drawing attention to Africa’s great musical history that continues to influence composers and performers across the world.

 

No doubt, Iroko has a rich repertoire that stretches back in time. The group also has the added advantage of always delivering its timeless tunes with a conviviality that absorbs both the young and the old.

After all, nobody expects anything less from Ola Balogun, the nonconformist artiste, philosopher, film maker, academic and creative genius behind this original African band.

 

So, on Easter Sunday, 21 April, 2019, Iroko returned to the performing stage after a lull but still managed to re-enact a superlative performance that held audiences spellbound at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

In fact, the group brought under one roof, numerous great African songs from different generations and many parts of the continent to the listening pleasure of everyone present.

The classic tunes also took many who could not resist the enthralling beats to the dance floor where they gave a good account of themselves as lovers of African music.

Naturally, the performance reminded Africans of a glorious past and a future that is still possible.

 

But it was also a philosophical journey for Balogun who had in the audience, some of his seniors at the famous King’s College.

They included Prince Tola Sotinwa and Mr. Musibau Fashanu who were in attendance with their wives, Hilda and Jumoke, respectively. Another respected personality in Lagos, Otunba Yinka Lawal-Folarin and his wife Byorg were also there.

However, it’s interesting to note that Prince Sotinwa and Otumba Lawal-Solarin, both top level aristocrats with roots in Ode Remo in Ogun State, brought royalty to the dance floor with their elegant steps.

 

The show also accommodated the young and the restless. Apart from Balogun’s interesting dance sessions with children who came with their parents, other categories of guests also had a good time dancing and singing to the admiration of everybody.

They included Akin Coker, a gentleman and Balogun’s friend, Mikkel Hansen, a Danish who runs a fishery business in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

Hansen’s crowd included his Nigerian business partner, Dele Awosika and another friend, Ifedayo Oladipo.

 

One thing that is unmistakable from the Easter Sunday celebratory outing is that Iroko has made a successful return to Nigeria’s social circuit.

The band has also finally showed from its reflexes, that it is ready to take on the world once again. So, lovers of great African and high life music should brace up for interesting times as Iroko is back in action.

The group is planning more top-class get-togethers in Lagos, Abuja and other major Nigerian cities and towns in the months ahead.

Therefore, music buffs should look out for announcements about future opportunities to enjoy time out with Iroko.