A mild drama ensued at the Oriental hotel, Lekki, Lagos, venue of the just concluded Song Award organised by the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) last Saturday night when Nigeria’s reggae legend and guitarist, Majek Fashek stormed the place to thrill his fans once again after years of being missing on stage.
Clad in rugged jersey and jacket with a brown cap, Majek who has been incapacitated for a long time now arrived the venue some minutes to the end of the event and hell was let loose. Shouts of ‘the Rainmaker’ rented the air as he moved from one end of the expansive hall to another, greeting and hugging some of his contemporaries whom he has not seen for years. Interestingly, Majek’s song, “Send Down the Rain” won the best song of the 1980s at the event.
Even though, his sight evoked sympathy, some of the guests who were familiar with Majek’s ordeal could not believe their eyes as the Rainmaker was virtually in high spirit. Still looking shabby and frail, Majek bubbled with life while the event lasted.
Upon spotting highlife maestro, Victor Uwaifo who was one of the dignitaries that graced the awards night, Majek immediately prostrated before him and later, requested to perform on stage. But the audience would not allow him to do so as they wanted him to close the event.
After Iyanya’s ‘erotic performance’, Majek mounted the stage and took the audience in a musical voyage. He reeled out some of his evergreen songs to the delight of the audience. When he sang ‘ Send Down the Rain’, everyone in the hall took to the floor as they sang along with him. His performance that night reaffirmed his place as a reggae legend.
Despite missing the stage for a long time, Majek who waltzed his way into the hearts of music fans in the late 80s and early 90s with his debut album “Prisoner of Conscience” containing the hit track ‘Send Down The Rain’ released in 1987, still retains his stagecraft, vocal dexterity and followership. Standing ovation however greeted his ‘unexpected’ performance even as he hinted that his latest album is due to be released soon.
Meanwhile, the event was organised to honour musicians, songwriters and composers who had written and sung great songs from 1960s till date. Victor Uwaifo’s “Joromi,” was chosen as the best song of the 1960s while Prince Nico Mbarga’s “Sweet Mother” won the 1970s category.
While Femi Kuti’s “Wonder Wonder” emerged the best song of the 1990s, for the new millennium (2000), Kehinde Akinbode’s “Olorioko” was awarded the best contemporary Afro song. The contemporary pop song was awarded to Tu Face Idibia with “African Queen.”
Sunny Nneji won contemporary highlife category with “Oruka.” Idibia won contemporary afro with “Iheneme,” while Psquare were honoured for their hit song “Chop My Money” and the best song for contemporary highlife of the new era was awarded to Jude Okoye for “Baby Oku.”The award ceremony was part of activities marking the COSON week.
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