It was a unique assignment for Juju music maestro, who performed with unusual emotion at the grand concert to mark his 70th birthday celebrations, which began weeks before September 22, 2016; the day he hit the septuagenarian age.
The concert held on Sunday, at the Temple Balmoral Marquee, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Although his fans trooped in in their hundreds to witness the show, the singer could be said to have played his part in celebrating himself – overwhelmed in his own sound, as he hit the chord of his guitar like it was going to be his last.
KSA had joined other singers at the show to perform for himself, spending close to one and half hour, non-stop, for his first action which began around 1: am on Monday. And when he re-appeared for his second session, his energy on stage and dexterity on the instrument did not wane at all, and this lasted till the wee hours of the day.
His offerings for the night were his classics, which still had their appeals on both young and old. Although several guest artistes had climbed the stage before him, the concert was planned for him to perform last – the big masquerade, as they say, does take the last bow – KSA was the star of his own show.
In his typical humble manner, the veteran artiste paused during a performance to pay obeisance to all, saying; “If I die today, you all have celebrated me already.”
The show, put together by The Temple Company and tagged ‘Sunny on Sunday’, was also attended by socialites and prominent members of the society like Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola and Babatunde Raji Fashola.
The event was also attended by veteran singers Onyeka Onwenu, Sir Shina Peters and visiting Congolese performer Awilo Longomba, as well as younger artistes like Don Jazzy, Waje, Iyanya, Niniola, Terry Apala, Tiwa Savage, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Toke Makinwa, Omawumi, Funke Akindele, Lolo and Darey Art Alade among others.
The audience was equally thrilled by the performances of Niniola, Terry Apala, Omawumi, Darey and Onwenu, who was joined by KSA as she rendered their 1989 duet entitled “Wait For Me” to laud applause.
Awilo Longomba too was joined on stage by the celebrant. Although a notable dancer himself, the moment for him was for the KSA’s kind of dance.
When it was the turn of Sir Shina Peters, the singer eulogized the celebrant whom he described as a father, before dishing out his popular hits, including the anthem called “Shinamania”.
One of the side attractions at the event was the auction of KSA’s vintage fender guitar, designed by Nigerian visual artist Victor Ehikhamenor. The bid which began with N9m eventually closed with N52.1m. The guitar was auctioned by Dr. Jogun Onabanjo, Certified Auctioneer and Chief Executive of Onabanjo and Onabanjo & Co. winner of the bid is yet to be revealed.