BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Flytime Fest has long been synonymous with December’s vibrant energy in Lagos, and its 20th-anniversary edition, a four day event, has so far lived up to every ounce of expectation. Set to hold at the Eko Convention Center for the entirety of the event, the ongoing festival has drawn thousands of music lovers eager to witness iconic performances and immerse themselves in the magic that has become Flytime’s hallmark. Among the stellar lineup of artists to headline the festival, Olamide, the YBNL boss, stood out, delivering a night to remember on Monday, December 23, 2024. Known for his ability to dominate a stage and his knack for connecting with the streets, Olamide’s presence was highly anticipated and he did not disappoint. The King of the streets, recognized by many as the pioneer of annual December concerts in Nigeria, definitely showed us that he’s still got it!
Taking the stage with his signature confidence, Olamide wasted no time in igniting the crowd with a setlist that spanned his decade-long career. From his earlier anthems like Durosoke which he opened with, Eni Duro, Melo Melo to newer hits from his latest album, every track was met with roaring approval. Fans sang along passionately, waving their phones in the air, lighting up the arena in a sea of shimmering lights. The rapper seamlessly transitioned between high-energy tracks and more introspective moments, showcasing the depth of his artistry.
As if Olamide’s set wasn’t already electrifying, the night reached new heights with surprise guest performances.
The big bird himself, Wizkid, joined him on stage for a jaw-dropping rendition of their collaborative hit Kana. With the queen herself, Tiwa Savage, he performed their collaborative track, Standing Ovation. With Harrysong, Iyanya and Kcee, he performed Reggae Blues. Other big guns like Wande Coal, Phyno and Reminisce turned up for the show as well to perform with Olamide.
Omah Lay also graced the stage to perform Infinity with Olamide. There was Fireboy, Zlatan, Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, Pheelz, Bella Shmurda, Ckay and a host of others, with every single artist that showed up performing songs they have with Olamide and some of them, such as Wizkid and Fireboy, going on to perform hit singles of their own. Also present at the concert to turn up the heat were Dj Spinall and Dj Enimoney. These collaborations and the mere presence of so many established artists and music giants, perfectly underscored the unity and camaraderie within the Nigerian music scene and Olamide’s magnetic aura and persona.
The turn up for his show was amazing and there’s no denying the fact that the respect and love for him is immense. Esteemed individuals outside of the music industry were present at the event with the Ooni of Ife land standing out prominently.
Fans flooded social media with praise, hailing Olamide as the undisputed highlight of the festival. Many commended the production quality, from the stage design to the sound engineering, which allowed every beat and lyric to resonate deeply. The performance’s emotional highs and perfectly-timed surprises solidified its place as one of the most talked-about events of the year. Attendees described the experience as both nostalgic and groundbreaking, celebrating Olamide’s evolution while affirming his enduring impact on Afrobeat and hip-hop culture.
Flytime Fest 2024 once again proved why it remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s entertainment calendar. Olamide’s headlining performance was not just a showcase of his artistry but a testament to his resilience and relevance in an ever-evolving industry. As the night ended, fans left the venue with voices hoarse from singing and hearts full of pride, knowing they had witnessed history in the making. With such moments defining this milestone anniversary, Flytime Fest reaffirmed its legacy as a platform where legends shine and memories are made.
