Encomium
ZOOMING skywards as the most colourful Christmas party this side of the Sahara, the sixth edition of The White Gig was an extravaganza difficult to match. In all departments, from theme to ambience, entertainment content to refreshment, the Sunday, December 22, 2013, fiesta dripped pleasure ceaselessly from 4 till 10 p.m at Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja (Lagos).
Revellers were lavished with excitement and fun, and agreed that the gig is in a league of its own –the biggest, classiest and grandest white party known to mankind.
With scores of pillars and supporters, the heart thumping party was a blast we at ENCOMIUM, the magazine and events company, were proud to host…
A THOUSAND REVELLERS, UNPARALLELED PLEASURE
Over a thousand revelers, from stars of movies and music, television and comedy, fashion designers, entrepreneurs, professionals and politics, enjoyed the 6-hour extravaganza which had bliss as its major agenda. Heavenly pieces and heart thumping drapes littered the red carpet as soon as the gig kicked off at 4 p.m. Many accessorizing in the colours of the season (green and red), splashed their ensembles with beautiful pieces.
Associates and partners, colleagues and friends and well-wishers, those who nurse goodwill and warmth in their bosoms, joined us at the annual revelry of thanksgiving, the periodical communion of gratitude marking our 16th anniversary.
LAGOS COMES ALIVE
The city of Lagos, the centre of excellence and capital of entertainment, came alive on Sunday, December 22, 2013, as its most engaging characters headed in one direction –to Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lgos venue of The White Gig.
And from all parts of the city of chic and jollification, revelers dressed in white ensembles were enthralling spectacles.
Once our guests came nearer the well appointed venue, the presence of men and women of the Nigeria Police and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority was soothing and re-assuring. At the venue, organization took on a new meaning –from the expansive car park to the well-appointed marquee.
The long red carpet, crisp and clean beckoned and welcomed all, with reporters and camera men engaging celebrities in chit chats.
At the end was Replica Digital Studio –where beautiful pictures were frozen for posterity for a token.
WELCOME TO BLISS
Straight from the red carpet, after making it past immigration point manned by the pleasant but no nonsense men of K-Square Security, you make your way into the marquee. And into the waiting arms of Real Luscious Desserts’ Lolade Otuyemi with white chocolate fountain for your delight. And oven baked fresh doughnuts added to the pleasure (
The twins immersed in props with champagne for your enjoyment were head turners (from Bonix’s stable). Many stared left, right and then left, bewildered at the resemblance.
With DJ Jimmy Jatt planted in the middle of the hall, on stage, well positioned tables and chairs decorated by Open Hands, and a Christmas tree blinking and winking, the hall was ready for the gig.
LET’S CELEBRATE FEMI KUTI
Three of the best voices we know –Ademola Oyinlola, Femi Segun and Yemi Sodimu –anchored the surprise of the day as they invited Afro-beat king, Femi Kuti on stage in celebration of his fourth Grammy Awards nomination for the 2013 album, No Place for my Dream.
A trophy in recognition of the talented musician was presented by Mayor Akinpelu. And Yeni Kuti, presided over the question and answer session where her brother talked about his chances at the Grammy and what their father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti would have said on Femi’s successes.
TWISTS IN THE GIG
What was not on offer? That’s the question on the lips of revelers as they savoured and relished all the goodies at their beck and call. From water to wine and beverages, cocktail to juices, small chops to fish, well laden plates of food to chocolates, ice cream, yoghurt and more…
This White Gig surpassed all others as our assemblage of service providers went beyond their call to make the night memorable.
A MILLION THANKS TO OUR PILLARS
Those who nudged us to action, who encouraged us to stand firm and straight and celebrate our anniversary, we cannot thank enough.
Our pillars made everything colourful and worthwhile. And we thank Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Lagos State Government, Ogun State Government, Ekiti State Government, Office of the Deputy Governor Lagos State, Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Fisolak, Ejigbo LCDA, Ministry of Housing (Lagos), Dr. Muiz Banire, K-Square, Replica, LASTMA, Lagos State Police Command, 12 Baskets, Open Hands, BHM, Kiss Events, Bonix Party Drink, Phoebe’s Cake, Yard 158, ID on the Street, Andromia Limited, Grand Oak Ltd, Ifo Local Government, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Ingram Osigwe, Raypower FM, Cool 96,9 FM, 88.9 Brila FM, Classic 97.3 FM, The Beat 99.9 FM, Afrikan Shrine, Caniz Ltd., Sierra Communications.
