The last time I saw Bez perform live was at The Future Awards nominee’s party held about eight years ago. He was still trying to break into the industry then. After that night’s performance, I knew there was something magical about this dude and that he was wired for the top.
Fast forward to 2016, Bez has come full circle, making melodious timeless music. He was the first African artiste to world premiere his music video on BET and the first Nigerian artist to do a solo show at the iTunes store in Soho, New York.
On the 24th of December 2016, I set out to experience the Bez magic at his Bez Live concert held at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island Lagos.
The show kicked off with Sir Dauda performing some of his songs like Kalakuta. I first heard Sir Dauda in the song he collaborated with Aramide on, titled Funmi Lowo. He gave a believable performance. Thereafter, John Drille animated the crowd with his soulful performance of My beautiful love, Dear Future Wife and other songs that got the fans cheering him on.
The beautiful Falana showed great delivery performing with her signature Cajón drum. The gifted soul artiste took the audience on a voyage of harmonious sounds. The high point of her performance was when she did a medley of some of Bez’s song ending with the phrase ‘Happy Bez day’.
Bez came on stage like he owned the moment. He was dressed in an all-white ensemble, armed with his artistic guitar and ready to thrill the audience.
His performance was marred by a series of technical glitches that almost made him lose the attention of the audience. One thing Bez did well was to be in control, despite the hitches. He treated the audience to a freestyle that was welcomed by the audience. The show went on a brief break as a result of the technical glitches, it later resumed with better clarity and technical coordination.
Bez mounted the stage this time with the hunger to make the audience get value for their time and money. He performed the hit single, Zuciya Daya alongside Kaline. Cobhams Asuquo, Timi Dakolo and Simi also joined Bez on stage with their unique vocal prowess.
From his interaction and bonding with the audience , Bez became a story teller that night telling tales of love, sadness, joy and pain with his poignant voice .
Bez is not an everyday Nigerian artiste, he does music on his own terms and stays on his own lane . He isn’t everywhere, but his value lies in that depth that emanates from not just his lyrics but from his soulful sound