Something great is happening in the East and I'm glad I'm a part
of it. It's usually exciting to be a part of history.
Last week I got a call from a friend to help out in a studio work.
I asked if I could join next time, he said I had to come that day. I asked for
a few hours to round up a work I was doing but he pleaded that I show up ASAP.
He had been calling all day and my line was switched off. I got ready as
quickly as I could and got to the studio. Divineklass studio is a really nice
place with nice staff and situated in a cool part of Owerri town. You couldn't
ask for more if you wanted a studio to record.
I walked into a room filled with beautiful people, all on
wheelchairs. Their faces were cheerful and friendly and they seemed quite eager
to learn though they were all quiet older than the instructors. They were being
prepared for a music competition for the physically challenged. I simply fell
in love with the atmosphere.
Work was already in progress, so I joined in. One of the
coordinators, Temi, was instructing, correcting and encouraging all at same
time.
The instrumentalists were also at it. Headed by Terry, the friend
that called, their job wasn't easy. Aside our native Igbo instruments, some of the
competitors have never sung with instruments. So, it was a case of jumping from
one key to another. Luckily for us all, the team of players were competent
enough for the task ahead. Then, we, the backup singers set to work as well;
learning their songs, correcting as much as we could, downloading songs for
those who needed it and smiling in /saying words of encouragement.
After the day's rehearsal, we all exchanged numbers. We called one
another. It was a family. One of them called me to sing her song over the
phone; she wanted me to hear that she had made the corrections we pointed out
to her. I was touched by the gesture. One of the backup singers got sick on one
of the days of rehearsal. Boy, did we feel her absence?
On the D-day, we got to the venue after some hours of rehearsals
at the studio. I was amazed by the sight. The event was way bigger than we
thought. It was a comedy show/talent hunt for the physically challenged. The
red carpet was in place. Once you were checked, you received a food pack. The
hall was beautifully arranged. The sound and lighting were on point. Kudos to
all the sponsors of this event, especially Divineklass studios.
Divineklass studios is
known in town for their excellent works; from music recording to DJ
services, photostudio to organising of
events, and video coverage of events to movie production. That night, they
showed us everything they are worth and much more. There was so much order. All
their ushers and ticket-crew were polite. The stage-lighting was so beautiful,
that I wanted to jump on stage to perform (lol). Mc Bossman, the brand
ambaassador of D.K Studio did a handsome
job of compeering the event. He brought his team of comedians and we really had
fun. Divineklass studios did an amazing job for an amazing night.
The event opened with a soulful rendition by a lady. Many other
singers presented that night. The most beautiful was the song presentation by
Melody. When she sang, it felt like we were in heaven. In between the
presentation by the contestants, there was comedy and dance. The comedians
really dealt with our ribs. It was an awesome night. The winners finally
emerged. Two of our singers came second and third and went home with cash
prizes of #200,000 and
#150,000 respectively. A dancer came first and went home with the grand
prize of #250,000. Sincerely, I wanted one of our singers to win the first
prize but the judges decided best.
I was particularly touched that someone could remember the
physically challenged members of our society. Going up the stage and performing
under the spotlight must have done something to their ego; thumbs up to all the
sponsors of this show.
Now guess what? I wasn't just part of a great event; I became part
of history. This is the first talent show for the physically challenged in
Nigeria and who knows, maybe in Africa as well.
Twitter:
@club7teen Instagram: @club7teen
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