Hardship: Artistes Experience Low Patronage In Nigeria

The hardship exacerbated by the new fuel hike is also taking a toll on the level of patronage in Nigeria.
The cinemas according to reports are beginning to experience low attendance. Also musicians who hold concerts are already counting their costs because the revenue from ticket attendance has dwindled.

This was reflected at popular live musician, Afowoslide at his Abinibi Groovy Concert held at the freedom Park, off Broad Street at the Lagos Island.

The musician who hosted other musicians at his gig reflected on the shows and others and said, “It’s a bit tight for musicians as for now due to the economy instability.

Some show promoters also finds it challenging to pay live performance artists because the fuel hike is everyone’s challenge and we don’t know when things will get better as it is when the economy is buoyant that is when fun lovers will go to the cinemas, spend time there or also pay for live concerts,” says Afowoslide.

The musician waxing philosophically noted that his song ‘Yi O Si Da’ meaning Better Times speaks to the now and he delivered it at the Freedom Park.

“I have a song that preaches at about our present situations in Nigeria and the song title is Yi O Si Da -Better Times. We pray and hope with action for better times and we ask our president, State Governors and the legislature to consider the masses in their actions,” he added.
At the show which was electrifying, Abbey Afowoslide Afrocentric had a row call of artistes and they include Showboy, Kofo Wonder, Edaoto, Lábúlé, Ayanbinrin Aduke, and AmEE.

There were special appearances by distinguished personalities namely Miatta Fahnbulleh, Gboyega Lobito Adelaja, Fela’s Band manager, Lekan Baba Ani Animashaun, Yeni Kuti, Patrick Doyle, Theo Lawson, Ọ̀túnba Mufu Onifade and Jahman Anikulapo

Others musicians that performed are Afroblackish, Afrobeat musician who came from Osogbo, Osun State all the way to support his colleague; and popular entertainer Jojo Bodybeat.
The show was hosted by. MC Frank. Tolu Felicity was the Carpet Host.