Nigerian News Beat

There was a mild scene at Oriental hotel, Lekki, Lagos, venue of the just concluded  Song Award organised by the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) last Saturday night when Nigeria’s reggae legend and guitarist, Majek Fashek  stormed the place to thrill his fans once again after years of being off-stage.

Dressed in rugged jersey and jacket with a brown cap, Majek who has been incapacitated for a long time now arrived the venue some minutes to the end of the event and hell was let loose. Shouts of ‘the Rainmaker’  rented the air as he moved from one end of the expansive hall to another, greeting and hugging some of his contemporaries whom he has not seen for  years. Interestingly, Majek’s song, “Send Down the Rain” won the best song of the 1980s at the event.

Even though, his sight evoked sympathy, some of the guests who were familiar with Majek’s ordeal  could not believe their eyes as the Rainmaker  was virtually in high spirit. Still looking shabby and frail, Majek bubbled with life while the event lasted.

Upon spotting highlife maestro, Victor Uwaifo who was one of the dignitaries that graced the awards night, Majek immediately prostrated before him and later, requested to perform on stage. But the audience would not allow him do so as they wanted him to close the event.

Despite missing the stage for a long time, Majek who waltzed his way into the hearts of music fans in the late  80s and early 90s with his debut album  “Prisoner of Conscience” containing the hit track ‘Send Down The Rain’ released in 1987, still retains his stagecraft, vocal dexterity and followership. Standing ovation however greeted his ‘unexpected’  performance even as he hinted that his latest album is due to be released soon.