Skales Singer packs gratitude into 'Man Of The Year' concert

After weeks of endless planning, Skales has held his concert to mark the release of his debut album, ‘Man Of The Year’.

Held at the Federal Palace Hotel, on Sunday, May 31, 2014, the concert was primed to offer a whole lot of attractions, and lived up to its billing.

Skales, the man who was dumped last year by his previous record label, the prestigious-but-declining-EME, was the star of night, switching between emotions, charisma, talent, and wonder as he performed to his audience who braved the lingering fuel crisis to register their support. Sometimes that support was too loud, with screams and attempts to go onstage by fans, and at other times too meek.

Unsurprisingly, but laudable, Banky W was in the building. Watching the boy he discovered and nurtured, go through artistic puberty and emerge a virile man. This concert must have felt like watching a disowned son go through his rite of passage, guided by an adopted father. The real father still felt some vestige of pride. Skales is still Banky W’s son. Come rejection, come Baseline.

Skales always one for the flashy moments, with guidance from Osagie Osarenkhoe, logistical support by Motbenson, and media facilitation by Zebra Stripes PR, and host duties by the rising Larry Foreman, the man was ready for his big evening.

Making his way onstage, The Baseline singer and rapper armed himself with a number of dancers, of which the new girl-movement, GGB played a pivotal role. They were the dance anchors of the entire set.

Skales alternated between plugged and unplugged performance, delegating his Highlife support to a live band, and some other more software-generated complex sounds to DJ Kaywise. Songs such as ‘Je kan mo’, ‘Highlife’, ‘Ijo Ayo’ and surprisingly the Hip hop cut, ‘Fa ra we mi’ with Kenny Wonder, were scored to huge standards by the band.

In between all of this beautiful, melodious madness, Skales showed appreciation to all those who have played a role in getting him back to his feet. Samklef, MC Galaxy, Milli, and the HKN crew were all side attractions who offered a lot new energy, audience retention, and raw entertainment.

And then there was Davido.

The HKN star made the trip from the USA to support the ‘Man Of The Year’ album, and his entrance was a notable high point of the night. Whipping up a performance of ‘Owo ni koko', and ‘The Sound’, the superstar was not lacking in adoration. He made the move to the stage, aligning with Skales for the performance of their raving ‘Always’ single.

A striking feature of the evening, and one which defined every fibre of the concert, was the gratitude of Skales. He was thankful for everything. Showering praises on everyone, and anyone who had touched his career positively. He even dedicated a line or two to the hotel room where he recorded some songs off the album. Bless that magical room of hits.

The Skales concert in its entire was one of more symbolism than bang for buck. Certain parts did evoke the need for more thought, like the delayed start of the concert which fell victim to the ‘African Time curse’, and not a lot of financial sponsorship was generated, but the spectacle that unfolded as entertainment was enough to atone for these.

Baseline Music showed bravery in committing to this concert. Ignoring all other platforms, to essentially create their own, for their shining son, huge kudos should be given to that, and it is worthy of emulation by other record labels.

A happy Skales, means a happy Baseline Music, and what is impossible when the mood is all joy, spice and everything nice?

Nothing.