BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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The Mainland BlockParty returned on January 1, 2025, with an explosive edition titled Mission 25K. Held in the bustling heart of Ikeja, Lagos, the event set the tone for the new year, drawing a massive crowd eager to experience the vibrant energy the Mainland BlockParty is known for. This edition was a special milestone for the festival, as it sought to gather an ambitious 25,000 attendees under one roof–a testament to the brand’s growing influence as one of Africa’s leading youth-focused festivals.
The night was anchored by the electric presence of Seyi Vibez, who dominated the stage with a thrilling but short performance that had the crowd chanting excitedly along to every lyric. Known for his ability to connect deeply with his fans through his fusion of street-hop and Afrobeat, Seyi Vibez delivered, with his set being nothing short of magnetic as he further solidified his status as a fan favorite.
In addition to Seyi Vibez, the lineup featured other prominent and rising stars in Nigeria’s music scene, each bringing their unique flair to the event. Veteran artists, 9ice and Reminisce, brought their distinct vibes to the stage giving the audience a feel of what it means to be in the presence of seasoned musicians. Then there were upcoming but outstanding artists like Kashcoming, Fola, Shine TTW and Shoday who’s performances added an element of refreshing energy to the night.
The BlockParty’s digital presence also played a significant role in building anticipation and documenting the night’s magic. Social media buzzed with updates leading up to the event, and the hashtag #MainlandBlockParty trended across platforms as attendees shared snippets of performances, crowd reactions, and the electric ambiance of the night.
Unfortunately though, the festival though a fun one, ended on an extremely negative note that almost completely ruined the initial beauty and vibe of the night. The headliner, Seyi Vibez only got to perform for a very short period of time (attendees say five minutes) before the show was forcefully shut down as a result of the power being cut off. Attendees came online to voice their displeasure at the poor planning and organization displayed in the manner of crowd control, the overall disorganization and even the exploitation that took place when concert goers had to pay a fee just to leave with their vehicles.
The sound system and general ambience of the show left some show goers completely unimpressed.
Still, it wasn’t all bad. Fun was had and a night of good vibes and sweet music was enjoyed by attendees.
The Mainland BlockParty has consistently redefined what it means to curate a youth-centric event. With its seamless blend of music, art, and community spirit, it continues to carve a niche as a powerhouse for cultural expression and entertainment. It certainly hit a new and impressive milestone as well with its achievement of the Mission 25K.
