BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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The 2024 Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged concert, held on December 22nd at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos, Nigeria, marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 20th anniversary. This event, renowned as Africa’s longest-running premium indoor festival, has been a cornerstone of the continent’s music scene since 2004.
This year’s edition was particularly noteworthy, featuring Grammy-nominated rapper Gunna as the headliner, making his African debut. His performance was highly anticipated, and he did not disappoint, delivering a dynamic set that resonated with the audience. Gunna’s presence underscored the festival’s commitment to bringing international talent to Nigerian shores, enhancing the cultural exchange between artists and fans. He performed “One of Wun,” a lead single off his latest album of the same name. He also performed a recently released single “Him All Along” also performing “Jump,” a song by South African artist, Tyla, on which Gunna was featured on. Performing alongside him was Tyla herself, complementing the performance with her unique flare and charismatic stage presence.
In addition to Tyla, the concert showcased a diverse lineup of artists who contributed to an electrifying atmosphere such as Burna Boy who performed his new single, “Bundle By Bundle,” Shallipopi who performed his hit song “Cast” and new star, Taves performing “Folake.” Some legends and trailblazers in the game were also present and concert goers got to witness amazing performances from D’Banj, The Choc Boys, Olu Maintain and Cobhams Asuquo as they sang some of their classics to the joy and glee of the crowd.
All in all, the festival’s 20th anniversary was a testament to its enduring appeal and its role in shaping the African music landscape. The organizers’ dedication to curating memorable experiences was evident in the seamless execution of the event, from the opening of the doors to the final act.
As the night progressed, the energy in the venue remained palpable, with attendees encouraged to stay until the end to fully experience the lineup. Overall, the 2024 Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged concert was a resounding success, blending international and local talent to celebrate two decades of musical excellence. The event not only entertained but also reinforced Lagos’s status as a vibrant hub for music and culture and attendees can’t stop talking about it with many taking to X (fka Twitter) to express how much they enjoyed the festival.
