There’s something very uplifting about knowing beforehand that you are in for the best time.

That’s what happened last night. We already explained how much excitement we had built up for the music concert at this year’s Ake Festival. And for a first time organizing a music concert at the annual arts and book festival, it was a huge success.

Falana belted out notes after notes of passion in her music and treated us to a show off of her versatility both in range as well as the use of instrument -from the guitar to her favourite, the cajon. It was simply beautiful.

Only at Ake will an acoustics concert be that amazing.

Right after Falana, was Adunni Nefertiti. You haven’t appreciated folk music if these women have not yet obliged you with sonorous music from wherever  you are from. From indigenous Egba music to Itsekiri.

And when they made to leave but requests were still pouring in from the crowd it became obvious – forget all the charade, Nigerians, at heart, are appreciative of folk music. The women had to go back to Ekiti and then to Delta to satisfy the cravings of a homesick audience.

Brymo is the one who needs no introduction. After his Oleku while he was still with Chocolate city, we knew him to be raw talent. And he’s stayed true. His performance at the music concert last night was testament to that. He sang one hit song after another to a most appreciative audience. We were treated to the best –Waka Waka, Alajo Somolu, and even Ara m’be.

Perhaps the best bit was his mellow rendition of his song, In the City, the soundtrack to a short film, No good turn -a film that will be screened here at Ake on Friday night. It’s complete meaningfulness was another reminder of how bereft the Nigerian music scene is of this kind of music – that not only entertains but teaches. Admonishes.

Brymo is amazing. And so is his all-male band. Talented bunch.

At the moment, we are getting ready for the Opening ceremony where Wana Udobang will play host to the governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun and several other notable patrons. But we cannot deny how heady we still feel from last night.

Enjoy more photos from the night below: