A prolonged period of yearning for music and an amazing fast-paced night characterised the concert tagged “The Tales of Expression” headlined by Nicholas Emeka, a virtuoso trumpeter whose showmanship arrested attention for the most parts of the concert. Featuring other acts like ClintonicStrings, Progress, Genevieve, The Folks, Preacher’s Kid and Joseph Ojo, the concert kicked off about an hour behind schedule with a rousing performance by Victor Odetunde. His jazzy entree set the tone for the night with great drums and well modulated back-up singing.
With Linda 1nneka, it became more soulful as her near-staccato delivery was punctuated by some rap mixed with singing-reminiscent of the multi-Grammy award-winning Lauryn Hill. She connected with the audience with her intro, presenting herself as a conscious musician who uses music as a powerful tool for self-expression, inspiration, social commentary, and personal growth.
Sharing her personal struggles in a few words “2025 has shown me shege,” her evocative lyrics and melodies that resonate with the audience especially with her song “Change” which reflects social issues. Linda’s performance was like a balsam, providing healing alongside techniques of storytelling and community building.
It was a spotlight moment when Genevieve serenaded the audience with her mezzo-soprano vocals to deliver a famous operatic song ‘Habanera’ which was first performed by Galli-Marié at the Opéra-Comique in 1875. Genevieve transported the audience back to history and back to the present with a rendition layered with rap vocals from Ken. That innovative delivery piqued the interest of the audience as the duo recreated an inimitable harmony erupting in thunderous ovation.
Arguably, ClintonicStrings put more effort than anyone else in this concert for technical reasons because the sound output failed him. His mastery of violin had developed a life of its own, elevating his craft beyond music sessions to international performances as star performer. ClintonicStrings showed unusual bravery by not allowing the failing sound system to paralyse him, instead he engaged the audience with Michael Jackson’s classic “I’ll be there.”
The man of the night Nicholas Emeka made a legendary entry with drums, heightened tempo, shimmering costume to deliver a medley of classics including Queen’s “We will rock you,” “Sza’s “All the Stars,” Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love” as well as Davido and Omah Lay’s smash hit “With You” which was received by the Afrobeats-loving audience with “dancing ovation.”
Nicholas Emeka in performance
Emeka appealed to popular taste with that enthusiastic performance that became an instantaneous anthem in the dimly-lit auditorium. He used flexible tempo to lift the prevailing mood of his audience. Typically in a jazz ensemble, a musician can use tempo create surprise and excitement, adding a dynamic element to the performance. Emeka perfected that in ‘Tales of Expression’ by creating a sense of tension and release, incorporating multiple rhythms and tempos. By juxtaposing fast and slow tempos to add variety to a performance, he kept the audience engaged. An interlude of monologue gave way to a slowed down tempo which was quickened again by Pharrel’s global hit “Happy.”
His 30-minute performance ended with Asa’s “Be My Man” delivered in a burlesque-styled performance. Interestingly, all the performing artists are alumni of the Music Society of Nigeria (MUSON) who self-funded their own concert. For such showcase of super fine music talents, it beats one’s imagination how real musicians in Nigeria still struggle to be seen and heard. Perhaps the talk on Nigeria’s creative economy is leaving behind a young generation of music talents who are classically-trained, forward-looking in their approach to performances and yet, grossly underfunded.
