PMAN’s Legend Night
By Osamudiamen Ogbonmwan
One thing was sure, for weeks I waited patiently for that day – a day when I would be opportuned to see living legends of the Nigerian music industry honoured by the present leadership of PMAN, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria.
Surely, anyone who doesn’t know me too well would be hard put to fathom my craze for these elderly musicians, especially since I am, well, not too old age-wise. Indeed, the kudos goes to my father who had thought it wise to ‘litter' his house with a turn-table and various albums of these musicians, both local and foreign. So as a result, I have been exposed to music of yester-years. Secretly, I had hoped and wished that I could meet some of them alive and that day, I did.
As I was saying, that night at the Golden Gates, Ikoyi, venue of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN)-organised event for the elders of the music industry, my long cherised dream came to fruition as I danced and mingled with some of the names and personalities that made music tick in the years gone by.
Days before the event, the legends had arrived Lagos and were all lodged in hotels.
I had arrived the venue some minutes after 6p.m – the scheduled time for the event – but somehow the event didn’t kick off until some minutes after 7p.m when the chairman of the event, Ambassador Segun Olusola arrived.
Trust me, before this time, I had made good use of the opportunity by getting acquainted with the elders. Sir Victor Uwaifo was the first on my list, followed by Sir Oliver d' Coque, then Tony Grey, Morocco Maduka, Pa Fatai Rolling Dollar, Actor Alile, Benson Idonijie, Dr. Dan Maraya Jos and Sir Ralph Amanze.
Soon enough, Sony Irabor called everyone to order and introduced Benny Uche as his assistant compere for the night. Dan Maraya Jos said the opening prayer, then the National Anthem was beautifully rendered by the Pillars, an accapella.
George Duru-Eke gave the welcome address and in it he apologised on behalf of past PMAN regimes which didn't deem it necessary to honour the elders.
Yemisi Ramsome-Kuti, who followed, talked about sustaining the treasures which are the elders, so that the younger generation can learn from them and as such be veritable elders themselves when they grow old.
She was still on stage when Professor Pat Utomi, looking very trim than ever before walked in; he was given a few moments to speak. He said that the power of music is stronger than just making people relax.
“The value of music affects most of our political, social and spiritual life. Since these values have been badly dented, musicians can help build it because music is an element of domination,” said Utomi, who almost everyone kept calling Mr. President.
When Ambassador Olusola came up to speak, he referred to Bolaji Rosiji, the PMAN president, as a miracle worker. Then he went down memory lane when he was into music and clubbing in Warri.
Chika Okpala a.k.a Zebrudaya of the New Masquerade fame, Baba Kokoro, the blind one-man band musician, Joke Silva and some others were introduced at this junction. Surprisingly, Evangelist Sonny Okosun also walked in, followed by Gloria Ibru, her brother and a sister. A memorable part of the night was the “Do-You-Remember?” segment, where someone from the crowd would be called up-stage to suggest titles of old songs played by a living musician who was present at the party. In doing this, a price is placed on the song before the musician comes up to render it. The money raised would then be used to start up the legend scheme.
Zakki Adzi was the first to come up and he suggested Victor Uwaifo’s “Guiter Boy” which he kicked off with N20,000, Femi Falana dropped N60,000, while Pat Utomi pledged N100,000. Sony Irabor gave N25,000, Joke Silva said her contribution would be made later after consultation with her “Oga.” The Ibrus on their part did not make their donation public.
Armed with an electric guitar, Uwaifo said if he had known that he would be asked to sing, he would have brought his revolving guitar instead. Nevertheless, he sang “Joromi” like never before, then picked up a tenor saxophone which he played. People came to the dance floor to unwind. Dan Maraya, Jos Chiboy and Daddy Showkey sprayed him hugely.
Before Oliver d' Coque was called on stage hundred of thousands of naira was pledged and when he came he sang “Funny-funny Identity”. It was magnificent. 84 years old Baba Kokoro, however, gave a beautiful performance which generated the most fund. Dan Ayan sang “Fuel for Love,” Ralph Amabem did “Edigbonze” Pa Rolling Dollar, Evangelist Okosun and a few others also performed. They all played an instrument and displayed deep knowledge of good stage management.
A life patron ceremony was conducted while the PMAN legend mascot was unveiled.
Truly, the night was one which blended the old with the young as some young musicians were also present. They included Sunny Nneji, Haruna Ishola Jr, Rymzo and a few others, who all added colour to the event.
On the wall were album sleeves of various musicians, some of whom I had even forgotten about.
Various organisations gave donations.
Really, it was a beautiful night, such that no one wanted to leave as the music kept coming. Prayers were said for Rosiji and his leadership quality was commended.
Notwithstanding, I still must say that it was, indeed, a great experience for me. From my childhood days, music had been one of my passions and it really was awesome to have met with some of those who helped sharpen my perception about it.
Much as I would have loved to stay till the end of the event, I just had to leave because it was getting quite late. The legends on the other hand as I noticed didn’t give a damn about what time it was. Around 12 midnight, I made the long journey back to Ogba, only wishing I had stayed to enjoy the night to the fullest – in the warm company of the legends.