Nigeria’s greatest Pop star groups that held sway in the 70s are regrouping for a show in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State.
Pop stars like Manford Best, Bob Migga, Jake Solo, Spud Nathan, Gab Zanny, Walton Arungwa, Lasbrey Ojukwu, Chyke Fussion, Benjamin Davidson, Jerry Boifraind, Dan Ian, Ani Hofner, Sam Matthews, Bazy Cole Akalonu, Vincent Ikeotuonye etc are billed to perform at an Easter musical concert in Arpil.
These names were stars in the musical firmament of the 1970/80s. They were members of such pop groups such as Apostles, One World, Sweet Breeze, Aktions, BLO, Black Children, Wrinkars Experience, Wings, The Funkees, Semi-Colon, Founders 15 etc. Together with the indomitable and winning spirit of Enugu Rangers International, these pop groups helped tremendously in lifting the psyche of the people of Southeast in post-war recovery effort.
Now 40 years after, the surviving members of these bands some of whom are from Anambra State are re-grouping for a show in Awka, Anambra State. Speaking at the world press conference put together to unveil the pop stars, the State Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Barrister Stella Onuorah said: “We are here today for a world press conference which signifies the publicity we want to give to these heroes,” spread across Imo, Abia, Delta States and beyond.
The Easter Musical Concert tagged “Pop Stars of the 70s”, featuring for the first time in almost half a century the top pop groups of the 70s performing together in one show. This event will take place on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Anambra State from dusk to dawn as the legends take ndi Anambra back in time in a world of nolstagia.
“All these groups metamorphosed into popular individual musical groups immediately after the civil war and mesmerized Nigerians with their hit songs. The choice of Easter day for the show is deliberate. The groups virtually faded off from the public consciousness but their music still hold strong appeal across the nation”, the Commissioner recalled.
The primary purpose of this concert according to Barr Onuorah, is to invoke nostalgia and re-awaken the spirit of enterprise with this breed of music.
Barr Onuorah therefore, on behalf of the State government, welcomes visitors to that night of resurrection to experience the calm and secure capital city, Awka and Anambra State in general.
The 10 invited pop stars of the 70s in no particular order were; Sweet Breeze, One World, Wings, Apostle, Aktion, Foundars15, Semi-Colon, Wrinkar Experience, Soky Ohale, and Funkees.
Earlier in his opening remarks, The Principal Secretary to Gov Willie Obiano, Mr Willie Nwokoye, recalled that “It is still fresh in the public memory that the Government of Chief Willie Obiano organized ‘Ozoemezina’ in 2014, a symbolic State-wide rites of final passage for all people of Igbo extraction that had lost lives in crises and conflicts of war especially the Nigerian-Biafran War.”
“POPSTARS of the 70s is a music show of the same thought but that which will showcase the living among the post-war pop musical geniuses.”
No other persons, no other administration, past or present, civilian or military, remembered the golden tune of these pop stars. Today, Anambra State, being the light of the nation, once more resurrected these custodians of music, Nwokoye said.
Also addressing the press, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, the Senior Special Assistant to Gov Willie Obiano on Creative Media, Nollywood and Entertainment, reiterated that the music of the pop stars were the foundation of the music industry in Nigeria because “if they didn’t take the bull by the horn after the war to start the revolution, there won’t be what we have today as music industry.”
Mr Bob-Manuel said he believes that after the concert, other governors in Nigeria will take a cue from Anambra and honour the pop star heroes.
Delivering vote of thanks, one of the groups “One World” represented by their leader said, “This is the first time some of us are seeing ourselves in 40 years. This is the first time a concert like this will ever hold. And when we were called we came and that shows that we still have creativity in us.”
In the same vein, ‘Wings’, another group, said they are very appreciative of the gesture from the state government for initiating and supporting the mega show and wish other governors will be able to copy from Anambra State.
Amidst cheers at that moment of great joy, the pop stars unanimously agreed that the governor deserves to return as governor 2018 due to his brand of leadership.
At this point, soft tunes from their 70s hits were played to lighten up the atmosphere and give the press and invited guests a tip of what to expect as the groups were called forward.
The unveiling climaxed with a courtesy call on Gov Willie Obiano of Anambra State at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.
1 comment
These stars in the musical firmament of the 1970/80s. They were members of such pop groups such as Apostles, One World, Sweet Breeze, Aktions, BLO, Black Children, Wrinkars Experience, Wings, The Funkees, Semi-Colon, Founders 15 etc. helped wipe our tears and propelled us to new and meaning life. I can not forget them all thru the 70s until I left to study in the US. In my 60s now I still remember and love them the same way I did in the 70s.
May God continue to bless them. Amen