Wurasamba, Leeroy play World Music Day concert

Abiodun “Wurasamba” Oke opened the night’s performances with a three-man band that included a percussionist on omele and bata, and another on gangan—both Yoruba drums. Wurasamba, on his custom eight-piece sambabe drum, sang ‘Alutere', a folk song with chants that ring like an invocation.

Afterwards, French rapper Leeroy took to the microphone and performed multiple tracks to the delight of the audience—a mix of Nigerians and foreign nationals. They jerked and twisted to his rapid-fire delivery layered on rock and roll beats.

The first edition of this event, to celebrate music from different parts of the world, took place in Paris in 1982. Since then, it has been referred to as Fete de la Musique (French for Make Music Day) or World Music Day. Editions of the festival around the world often involve participation from amateur musicians, and are free to spectators in open locations. Though free, the Lagos celebration involved only professionals artists.

Midway through Leeroy’s set, Wurasamba joined in. And after giving an encore as requested by the audience, Leeroy departed, leaving Wurasamba to provide more folk music.

Aleqs Notal, an EDM/House DJ, performed last. The Frenchman bowed wordlessly after his introduction, started to spin the turntables, and watched his audience’s reaction. The people began to move. He then wrapped headphones around his head, and spun records into the night.

“We will have quieter events over the next few months,” said Esse Dabla, cultural coordinator at the Alliance Francaise. “And this concert went well. People danced and danced and we couldn’t stop the DJ from playing.”