Ijo ya o, Ijo ya o, Lagbajaaaaaaaaaa! Lagbaja!, it's time to dance! exalts the dynamite petite singer, Ego, as Lagbaja! blows through the infectious "Konko Below". And indeed for the entire 60 minute plus set, no one sat down. There was dancing in the aisles. This was Lagbaja's first visit to Motown. He was in town to help celebrate the city's 300th birthday. True, not many outside the local Nigerian community had heard about him before the show. That was to change by the time he left town. Rewind to the song Konko Below for a quick minute. I will never again be able to listen to the song without trying to master Lagbaja's shoulder dance perfectly syncronized to the thunder clap simulated by the bata drummer. T H U N D E R !!!
Lagbaja's show was high energy and interactive. He hopped of the stage numerous times to engage with the audience and even found a young pretty Nigerian woman brave enough to "get down" with him. She did not disappoint and walked off the dance floor to tremendous applause. He taught the crowd the meanings behind the words to his songs. He got an effective call and response going. Little did we know, at the time, that we were being taught how to count out the band at the end of the concert. Believe me, it worked! And it was fun for all. After the show, Lagbaja stayed around to greet members of the audience and sign autographs. And in the evening, Mr. Segun Adeyina, Chairperson of NRC and himself a metro Detroit resident arranged for the band to have a traditional and private dinner at one of the local Nigerian establishments, The African Carribbean Restaurant popularly known as "Johnny's Place". And just as quickly, Lagbaja and the band headed out of town for the next concert in New York State. Another Nigerian musician had done himself proud and left us all smiling. Ipade wa oyin (Our next meeting will be just as sweet) As Lagbaja would say in conclusion..... Hey aaaaaaay Hey aaaaaaay Hey aaaaaaay Hey!