23-yr-old UNILAG student steals show
*As Stars & Legends reality TV show gathers momentum
By BENJAMIN NJOKU
Saturday, April 25, will remain unforgettable as long as Gabriel Afolabi lives. On that fateful day, the 23-year-old student of University of Lagos, UNILAG had a date with his destiny.
He has been looking for an opportunity to actualize his dream of becoming a voice-over artist. However, his long awaited dream came true last Saturday during a concert and entertainment conference to herald the maiden edition of the Stars and Legends reality TV show, held at the auditorium of Terra Kulture, on Lagos Island.
The Ogun State-born English Language student of UNILAG, had inquired from the organizers concerning how he could realize his dream of becoming a voice-over artist. In response, he was given a simple assignment and he blew the minds of the audience with his baritone voice, causing the organizers to instantly engage him in the production of the theme song for the reality show.
Elated Afolabi, who couldn’t hide his excitement said he couldn’t wait to showcase his talent to the world. “It’s very exciting for me. I can’t wait to start. I feel so happy to be here today. It’s a privilege,” he said.
Afolabi , who’s blessed with a baritone voice said while some of his friends used to accuse him of being fake, others were fascinated with his deep voice. “My voice is natural. My friends can take nice photos but I can talk nicely,” Afolabi enthused.
Meanwhile, music expert Samuel Peterson said the Stars and Legends reality TV show, which is an initiative of his outfit, Lukrush Records alongside Rebellion Obsession Fashion and Baroque Works Studios, will commence pre-production in May/June, this year,
According to him, the show is aimed to empower a new breed of raw talents in music, dance, comedy and modeling from across the continent.
“The annual show is about empowering the youth. As a musician you can’t just look at music without understanding the business aspect of it. It’s kind of empowering the youths in the business of music,”Peterson said.
Speaking further, Peterson added that the show, which will be based on a three-point agenda of talent development, showbiz, and entrepreneurship, promises to expose these young talents to international entertainment experts that will guide them to becoming global stars.
At the event, several industry stakeholders and music scholars were on hand to take the young talents through the business of music and entrepreneurship. They included Silverbird President, Guy Murray-Bruce, Sarah Boulos, founder and Chairperson of the performing arts in Nigeria, SPAN, Dr Sheyi Kehnny, Associate Professor of music and Sub-Dean of the faculty of Arts , University of Lagos, Zaaki Azzay, veteran musician, Asha Gangali, multi-talented musician showbiz executive and Dolajumoke Kayejo, consultant psychiatrist among others. The event also witnessed performances from the likes of Ceemax, Piper, Stephanie weaver, Mej-Dei Khae and others.
