NIGERIA DAY AT THE AFRICA VILLAGE

DJ Abass

We’ve been all about sports since the Olympics started, so we decided to provide a little side dish on what’s happening at the Africa Village.

Three days ago, Richard Spiropoulos, PANA TV’s Executive Producer was at the scene of the Nigeria Day, where Nigerian heritage, culture and Arts was on full display in Kensington Gardens, inside London’s Hyde Park to kick off long a line of African festivities, food, music and celebration.

“Organizers arranged a day for all the African nations who had put up stands and stalls inside the village with the most populous African nation – Nigeria - first in line; and the Nigerians put up quite a show, and they cooked their hearts out too.

Kas, PANA TV Exec. Producer, & Ozone Step

The ‘WaZoBia’ lounge where the Nigerian camp set up shop was packed all day as people streamed in and out, welcomed warmly by pretty hostesses decked in full Nigerian regalia, and eloquent Olympic staff members explaining what it means to be Nigerian in the 21^st century.

NOC officials in chow mode

DJ Abass gave an unending mix of Nigerian music all day as visitors who were new to the sounds of Nigerian music quickly became acquainted with tracks by D’banj, Wande Coal, Chuddy K, P-Square and a long line of other Nigerian music superstars.

After a while, there was a break from the music and it was time for Theater Arts, and a Nigerian play entertained the audience, while the main music acts got ready to hit the stage.

Inside the WaZoBia lounge, some of the organizers of the event, like Damilola Oshilaja, Goke Dokun and the one and only DJ Abass described to interested visitors how they helped plan and execute the event and what else to look forward to.

Comedians like Wale Gates helped lighten the mood as people took their seats in anticipation of the music concert. According to him, ‘every African wants to be Nigerian, and well, they can today.’

U.K-based singer Ezi and her two dancers gave them a taste of what was to come as she shimmied and sang out in sultry tones a couple of tracks from her upcoming album. The show also featured a very entertaining upcoming star, Ozone Step, popular singer and soon-to-be movie star Kas, before Eldee took to the stage to close the show.

Ozone Step was extremely entertaining and his skills as a dancer show why he decided to name himself after the popular dance. Rap star, Naeto C who had been scheduled to perform at the show was absent, but the man just got married and was presumably enjoying his honeymoon with his new bride; Omawunmi was also a no-show.

Nevertheless, Ozone Step, Kas, and Eldee gave such entertaining performances that most people hardly noticed that the lineup of artistes was not complete.

President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Engr. Sani Ndanusa ended the event with a rousing speech about supporting Nigeria’s athletes, especially now that Nigeria’s basketball team are about to take on the heavily-favored USA team, which is also loaded with superstars like Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant.

Nigeria has set the pace for entertainment at the Africa Village and other African countries are on a mission not to be outdone.

Egypt Day is Saturday August 4^th and the North African nation is inviting the world to celebrate and experience Egypt when they highlight their cultural diversity with a performance of belly dancers, musicians and a rich variety of Egyptian cuisine. Art lovers are being promised variations of henna tattoos from a team of traditional artists.

The African Olympic Village officially threw its doors open Saturday and if the other countries step up like Nigeria did last night, this gem of an idea could become a huge hit.

It’s expected to run until August 13^th, a day after the Olympic Games closing ceremony.

Hey, it’s not every day you run into an entire continent tucked away in a corner of London’s most prestigious royal parks, but thanks to the Africa Village organizers, you can stroll right into one over the next two weeks.

Of course, Pana TV will be right there with you. Stay logged on to www.panatelevison.com and visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/panatv for a complete rundown of all the Days planned for different countries.”