Payback tyme Records: Magazine articles

Starlet Nite Extra Published in National Encomium, November 30, 1999

On Saturday, November 20, 1999 at the popular fun spot -Waterparks on Toyin Street, Ikeja Lagos the Starlet contest train-finally stopped. The grand- finale of the Award for Musical Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN '99) pre-event was held. 17 contestants jammed at the event, which was keenly organised and judged.

When it was time for the show after all the logistics and production was put in place at about 12.25a.m, the anxious contestants did not hesitate at all. Although the master of ceremony was absent, a quick alternative was got in person of Jaiye Aboderin to have a good time and catch the fun.

With his baritone voice, Aboderin announced to contestants to come back stage to pick their performance. Without much ado this was done

And the stage was set for the competition that all had been waiting for.

Within four hours that morning, each contestant as in person or group got on their feet and did their thing. . Although they were to be allocated 10 minutes each to show their skills but time was no longer on their side and the organisers allocated seven minutes for the right sound

Unlike the Abuja show where guest artistes had some minutes to do their thing the Waterparks jam was devoid of such 'luxury'. But for seven minutes each upcoming act came on the stage to perform and thrill the crowd undoubtedly, it could be seen that each of them was prepared for the show. In succession and snappily they came out and did their songs in varied tones and rhythm and of they went. By the Starlets-15 short listed from the Lagos Zonal Contest and two soul brothers and key from Abuja, finished their act, it was clear that the judges which comprised Zubby Enebeli, Segun Adebowale of DBN, Manny Eke and the head, AMEN '99, Advisory Committee and the Editor - in - Chief Femi Akintunde - Johnson sure had a keen contest on their hands.

While the show progressed there was no doubt that the crowd in spite of the delay enjoyed what they were seeing on stage. And they did not hesitate to applaud and cheer each act.

X-Flow, God's Talent, Elen King, 6 Foot Plus, Elazer, Reggae Magician, Maideene, Arewa Cultural troupe, NEL, Raheem De, Don Stannon, Tay Black, The Harmonics Flow, Social Menace, Kamelyon Crew, Aezet, De Living Store, Ikenna Offor were all on parade and they all had interesting performances.

Significant however was the performance of the Arewa cultural troupe, Six foot plus, the Harmonics and Maideena. And at the end of the first round of the contest, it was visible that the dice might be between these three The harmonics rendered a gospel Acapella in a well composed manner. And they got cheers from the crowd in appreciation. With Six Foot Plus it was the dame. Led by Alfred Atungu, a graduate of Dramatic Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Six Foot Plus did rap, rendered lyrics in poetry and he got an overwhelming applause from the crowd.

Also exhilarating was the performance of 19year old Maideena. Who this time came with her back-up singers. At the contest in November 5th,1999 she did a solo act. At Waterparks it was an outstanding display of costume and African songs to the amazement of the crowd. So much that except for time she would have been told to stay on.

At the end of the first round it was certain the predictions and optimism could change because some of the up-comings acts have put up interesting performances.

While the judges were busy collating the results of the first round some guest artistes had few minutes and The Crusaders, the first artiste on UBO music did almost a 40minutes performance. He was followed by Dabyna 1998 Starlet Nite winner who has also been grabbed by UBO music.

Another act who did an exhilarating jam was a guy called "Ololo". He did a highlife gig so enchanting that he got cheers and more cheers from the crowd.

Other guest acts at the show include Sule Alao , Malaika,Toyin Oguns, Beautiful Nubia. The Jewels, Cashman Davies but could not showcase their acts.

The climax of the show came when the contestants were given three minutes each to perform for the record. This they all did. And at the end of it all they were through and it was now time for the judges to put pen to paper. While they were busy compiling the results, the remedies were called to perform. Eddy, one of the twosomes came on stage did his act alone. He apologised to the crowd that his other half was unavoidably absent and out of Lagos.

At the end of the whole show, the judges put heads together and what came out was three nominees. Six Foot Plus, Maideene and the Harmonies among which an overall winner emerged at the Sunday, November 28,1999 AMEN.