Shalamar, a Grammy-winning and American R&B vocal group, is set to thrill fans, especially old-school music lovers, at a historic concert in Abuja on October 4.

The gig scheduled to be held at the International Conference Centre is to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day weekend.

The show is promoted by Abuja-based event organiser, iCreate Africa, in collaboration with First Culture Ltd.

The group is armed with an extensive repertoire of hit songs, such as ‘A Night To Remember’ and ‘I Can Make You Feel Good’, among other classics.

While highlighting the significance of the concert, Bright Jaja, iCreate Africa Chief Executive Officer, said, “Get ready, Abuja — the wait is over. The music that raised a generation is coming home for what will be a nostalgic, music-filled trip down memory lane, as Shalamar will perform all their classic hit songs, backed by a 7-piece live band.”

He said tickets for the highly anticipated bash are currently available at Jabi Boat Club and Dunes Supermarket, Abuja.

Also, Tunde Babalola, First Culture’s creative director and spokesperson, said, “This isn’t just a concert; it’s a gift to all generations. A musical bridge between the past and present; don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a breathtaking Shalamar performance that has been curated to evoke thrills, nostalgia, and goosebumps.”

Earlier, in a video message, Shalamar members Howard Hewett, Carolyn Griffey, and Jeffrey Daniel expressed their excitement about returning to Nigeria for the grand event.

Jeffrey, acclaimed to be the pioneer of the iconic dance move, ‘backslide’ (Moonwalk), said the show would be ‘a night to remember’ indeed for all Shalamar fans and music lovers alike.

Shalamar is a legendary American R&B and funk group celebrated for their energetic performances and contributions to dance music, including popularising “body-popping” in the UK. The group, acknowledged as one of the best funk and soul groups of their generation, sold over 25 million records until the classic lineup split in the mid-’80s.

Reformed in 2001, Shalamar’s trio of Howard, Jeffrey, and Carolyn have been performing live with a seven-piece backing band that has brought energy and a major injection of funk to audiences worldwide.

Some of their classics include A Night to Remember, I Can Make You Feel Good, Friends, Make That Move, Sweeter As The Days Go By, There It Is, and I Owe You One.

The Abuja concert is coming after over four decades since Shalamar performed four sold-out shows across two days in South-West Nigeria. It was in January 1982 that the acclaimed band performed at the main bowl of the National Arts Theatre in Lagos.

It was followed by packed-out shows at the University of Lagos, the University of Ibadan, and the then-University of Ife (now known as Obafemi Awolowo University).

As Nigerians celebrate the country’s 65th independence anniversary, Shalamar is returning to thrill fans with their chart-topping classics and pulsating live performances, offering a nostalgic experience for old-school music enthusiasts.

(NAN)