By Bimbo Esho

It was an unforgettable night of Parade of Stars : the date was December 17th when over fourty talented musical stars most of them in their 20’s and 30’s competed in an open air competition at the ground of National Theatre in Lagos.

After several months of rigorous training and rehearsals by each bands the stage became finally set for a first of its kind musical challenge concert.

The event was a re-emergence and birthe of new musical talents in the Nigerian music Industry particularly the indigenous repertoire and revival of liveband culture a reminiscence of Havana Music Festival in University of Ibadan and Lekki SunSplash of the 90’s, two popular platforms that exposed many of today’s musical giants.

The first edition of Thrillerbandz music challenge started at exactly 6pm on the 17th of December 2021 with the performance of *10 year old Vanessa Jones* the youngest contestants who is a Lawma and Adron Home Ambassador.

Watching the innocence of Vanessa Jones as she mounted the stage and introduced herself reminded me of *Yvonne Maha , Belinda, Tosin Jegede* young female Nigerian musical Star Kids of the 80’s/ 90’s.

Vanessa’s scintillating body movement and the innocence in her voice held the audience spellbound as she did an outstanding performance of Legendary Juju music Icon King Sunny Ade’s Song JAFUNMI, a song 30 years older than her.

As the event got heated up into the night one could hear songs of earthly and heavenly music veterans in the industry like Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Ayinla Omowura, Christy Essien, Majek Fashek, Orlando Owoh, Tunji Oyelana, etc just to mention a few all filtering into the air at midnight.

Saying that today’s youth are not intuned with the music of yesteryears is a blatant lie as different contestants displayed eclectic musical performances of songs of Nigerian music icons.

As contestants were seen sweating it out and judges carefully scrutinising results the audience continued to show frenziness that came with the thrill and frills of a competition.

At exactly 3am the anxiety level became more intensed as the event ended and results were ready to be read.

It was the moment all had been waiting for as the judges and organisers climbed on the stage to announce the winners.

An upcoming Fuji act by name *Abiodun Ajadi* popularly known as Epenesa took third position. These young man no doubt will go places if properly managed and guided right in his musical adventure. His rendition of Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde’s song Ajuwejuwe sent chills into the body of fans and admirers as many were seen dancing and even rolling on the floor to the song.

The second winner *Abimbola Omoyeni* popularly known as Oyinlomo Diamond was in total shock and cried uncontrollably when her name was announced. Oyinlomo is a young female Juju musician who is very popular in Alimosho environ with her style of Juju music and dance appeal. She told the organisers that she came to showcase her talent but to her surprise came second. Oyinlomo’s performance of Ayinla Omowura’s Evergreen Song *EBI KIN PA IGUN* cannot be forgotten in a hurry as her voice control in the rendition of the popular Apala song showed professionalism.

The first position was to Adeleke Agboola aka Handsome Leke Jummy. Leke Jummy showed the audience that he has been around the music industry for sometimes. With his uncommon baritone voice he did justice to the song *Mawomiroro* by Orlando Owoh. Prior to the performance of Baba Orlando’s song he first watered the appetite of the thirsty crowd with his personal composition titled ” *To Ba Je Baba E”* a call and response song that tells the ordeal that was melted on Jesus Christ. Leke showed originality in composition infused with good instrumentation.

Some of the other contestants of the Thrillerbandz were Ola Jerry, Funmi Adenekan, Nike Elegbede, Ojiji Eledumare, Saint Honey, Comfort Roland, Star Girl, Yemi Omoba, MojiPraise, Divine Doris, Afowoslide, Aj Sequential, Pedro, Aloyinlapa, Awoko Jesu, Beezegreat, Dare Overcomer, Divine Doris, Fola Best, Gbenga Oni, Jare Adebayo, Johnson Akinlabi, King Salvage, NifemiGold, Ojuaje annointing, Queen Betty Black, Speed, iLife Brass, Talande Stars, Tope hallelujah, Vsound, etc