Encomium
Arguably, most socialites and corporate organisations prefer a live band to perform at their functions.
Industry sources revealed to ENCOMIUM Weekly that the three top live bands among the lot are Eboni, Shuga and Sharp bands. Here are what makes them tick as the top three.
The three bands we reliably gathered charge between N1.5 million to N2.5 million per show, just within Lagos.
EBONI BAND
God Bless Ubiebifayen led-Eboni Band is an indigenous entertainment outfit formed in 1998, to take music entertainment in Nigeria to a higher level. The desire to achieve this is very much so, especially due to the calibre of talented and experienced individuals who are involved with the group.
Eboni Band as an entertainment outfit has consistently organised and maintained a high standard of live music performances since its inception in 1998.
The group has played and currently maintains appearance dates in most of the top clubs in Lagos and in other states across Nigeria. Clubs like, Swe Bar, Suzy Q, etc. Eboni Band played in Mike Adenuga’s birthday, high profile weddings, MTN, Glo, just to mention a few.
In the quest to create a band that would skillfully render a cross section of music genres of hip hop, high-life, jazz, rhythm and blues, reggae to name a few, the band leader, Mr. GodBless Ubiebifayen, who is also the lead vocalist and music director put this band together in 1998 and has over the years with rigorous rehearsals, established a band of his dream.
Godbless decided to come up with an album entitled, Girl Of My Dreams. This album is a nine tracker, with songs like; Ogogoro, Girl of my Dreams, Body Calling and You Thief My Heart Comot.
SHUGA BAND
Shuga Band is a Lagos based 14 piece group, led by Shuga (Akinloye Tofowomo). A widely travelled band, it has featured in high profile events like ECOWAS Heads of States Dinner. Mike Adenuga’s daughter’s wedding and events in and out of Nigeria.
Shuga Band is one of the best bands in Nigeria. It consists of young and talented musicians who see music more as a passion than a trade. They bridge the gap between the young and the old at parties, rendering legendary old school tunes and blending them with African flavours. Their huge list of high profile clients include President Goodluck Jonathan, Mike Adenuga, former president; Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President, Atiku, former Oyo state governor, Alao Akala and so many others. Shuga Band has always been and remains the toast of the high and mighty.
The band provides quality live music to corporate and individual clients from all spheres of influence, delivering a totally unique and exciting musical experience. From a wedding band that plays traditional love songs, to a punk band that can really get the joint jumping, The Shuga Band is adaptable, flexible, and performs dynamic sounds, creating rich harmonies. The Shuga Band is known for up-tempo secular flair, swing-beat, R’n’B, dance tunes, oldies, country, traditional, soulful arrangements and more.
SHARP BAND
Sharp Band started in the mid/late 90’s by some young teenagers as a tease and play music group. It metamorphosed into a professional music band in 2000. Had its first official assignment as professional band to tour the country with the then Golden Tones Grab The Mic singing contest. It was the main band and also the cover band to all the contestants. Since then the band has been performing in and outside the country and has graced big events for the high and mighty, shakers and movers of our land.
Sharp Band can be traced way back to the days of Pintoes Jazzville and Club Tower when they used to entertain fun seekers at the now rested fun spots. The band has been able to stand the test of time and has done cover for almost all Nigerian (now and then) musicians.
Sharp Band has grown not just as band, but as an institution, that impacts positive music, and showbiz knowledge to its employees. It’s also, an employer of labour with a 25 man workforce (drivers, stage hands, sound engineers, singers).
Due to the band, strength and workforce, it has the capability of carrying out a hitch-free event. Despite Sharp Band’s highly placed performances from presidential to state stakeholders, the band considers its biggest break to be when they were invited and privileged to perform at the Commonwealth Heads of State meeting in Abuja some years ago. Sharp Band’s clients include stakeholders, industries, telecoms firms, leading event planners, state governments, Presidency, amongst others.
Sharp Band skillfully renders a cross-section of music like hip hop, high-life, jazz, rhythm & blues, reggae and tungba. They have performed in high profile events like president daughter s wedding. Senator Ita Giwa daughter’s wedding, P-Square wedding. Sahara Energy end of year parties, MTN, Airtel, Sir Tony Ezenna daughter’s wedding, just to mention a few.
