Top Nigerian celebrities turned up for the #MayDayLive concert with the legendary Lauryn Hill in Lagos on August 30 and actually made it a special tribute to her.
The ex-Fugees singer arrived in Nigeria’s commercial capital on August 29 after disappointing many fans in May when she failed to show up for a scheduled concert.
However, Victoria Island’s Eko Hotel & Suits event hall was jammed with hundreds of people who had nothing but love and support for the ’embattled’ diva.
”Most Nigerians were disappointed she didn’t make it but she later apologized and we accepted. So we are good,” Nollywood actress Meg Otanwa weighed in on the red carpet.
Many who showed up admitted they were ready to be ‘killed softly’ by a woman they considered strong, talented and to have beaten all odds to stay true to who she is, stand by her family and be ready to move on with her life.
“I just really want her to prove everybody wrong,” rapper, Sasha P told Pulse TV, adding that “People seem to forget that just because you’re a creative person, you’re not a human being. Lauryn is first a human being! So I don’t care what’s going on in her life but God has given her a talent, she’s here tonight and I hope she kills it here in Lagos.”
One of the most excited people to attend the event was music star Waje who happens to be a huge fan of Ms Hill. According to Waje, Lauryn Hill’s songs helped her learn how to sing, so she was quite ecstatic to meet her in the flesh.
Waje shared her experience on Instagram saying:
Just before the show started a beautiful lady walked up to me telling me how much she loved my music, in her words “we’ve been playing you songs in philly ” , this sister sang the chorus of No Be You and I was blown away by her voice, soon I realized she was Lauryns backup singer. My life changed last night. I cried when Lauryn was performing and thinking, in my life time I see woman wey I use her songs learn work!!!!! She killed it! She gave me music life! So I got home and next thing my phone rings “waje Lauryn wants to meet u? I ran back like I was going to collect the certificate that validates the school of music life I have been in since, she took my hand and I cried all thru…… I’m so sure I embarrassed her but i had to tell her how grateful I am. Thank you Lauryn for music… Long story short, do your own with diligence and authenticity and you will save lives, inspire people to reach their goals as she inspired many singers and musicians. I’m so honored. Shout out to my sis @jbeautifull (sic)
Stars who attended the show included Toolz, Fade Ogunro, Lamide Akintobi, Zainab Balogun, Victoria Kimani, Taje Prest, Zaina, Keturah King, Yvonne Ekwere, Moet Abebe, VJ Adams, Sasha and more.
The event started off a couple of hours late, which was no great shock to anyone who attends shows regularly. It was hosted by Steel and Vina, although Basketmouth was originally slated to direct the evening’s activities. Scheduled DJ for the night, DJ Jimmy Jatt, was also absent.
