Daddy Showkey’s 50 Years on Stage: 2Baba, Teni, African China, Others Shine

It was a night of music, memories and nostalgia at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, as Daddy Showkey marked 50 years on stage with a star-studded concert that brought together some of the biggest names from Nigeria’s old and new music generations.

Tagged “The Journey! My 50 Years on Stage as an Entertainer,” the celebration attracted music lovers eager to reconnect with the songs that dominated the airwaves during the 1990s and early 2000s.

The Convention Hall was transformed into a nostalgic dance floor as old-school hits filled the venue and fans sang along to songs that once defined an entire generation.

The concert began around 9:40 p.m. with renowned producer and musician Cobhams Asuquo on the keyboard. He performed classics such as Bob Marley’s “One Love” and Daddy Showkey’s “Move On,” preparing the audience for the arrival of the man being celebrated.

Daddy Showkey eventually appeared to a standing ovation and launched into “Move On! Move on!” before following it with “In The Ghetto.”

The veteran entertainer spoke about his five-decade career and credited his longevity to faith, consistency and his determination to create meaningful music.

Vanguard Gets Special Recognition

Daddy Showkey used the occasion to recognise people and organisations that played significant roles in his journey.

Vanguard Media Limited received special appreciation after Showkey invited Vanguard Saturday Editor, Onochie Anibeze, onto the stage.

A documentary shown during the event captured Showkey’s memories of his early career with De Pretty Busy Boys, which included Cashman Davies, Daddy Fresh, Sexy Pretty and Roland Okafor.

“We used to trek across Kirikiri bridge after school and pass by Vanguard,” Showkey recalled. “I told myself one day Vanguard would write about me. And true to that dream, Vanguard was the first newspaper to publish my story. It meant everything to me.”

He also paid tribute to the late Ogbonna Amadi, former Entertainment Editor of Vanguard, whom he described as a mentor who “shaped me into the person people know today.”

Danladi Bako, veteran NTA broadcaster, and actor Harry B Anyanwu were also recognised.

Showkey recalled Bako’s support during his early career, particularly invitations to appear on NTA’s “Morning Ride.”

A New Generation Takes the Stage

In another memorable segment, Showkey introduced a 13-year-old boy he is grooming as his successor.

The youngster, known for his acrobatic abilities, has reportedly followed Showkey since he was four, while Showkey himself began his journey at six.

Another young performer, Wilson, was introduced to the audience. Showkey said Wilson had started following him at 10. Wilson entertained the crowd with an imitation of a cock’s crow.

Showkey also brought his two elder brothers on stage to reminisce about his journey and encouraged parents to document the development of their children’s talents.

Danfo Drivers and Tony Tetuila Bring Back the Classics

AY, who hosted the event, kept the audience entertained with jokes, including a playful reference to 2Baba.

“Una know say 2Baba na my former neighbor before dem relocate am to Benin/Abuja. But the way things dey go so, e be like say he go join me back. I dey observe things. Una think say na only me go dey alone? You understand wetin I talk abi? Una dey observe abi?” AY joked.

Marvelous Benjy followed with a four-song performance before Danfo Drivers took the audience back to the early 2000s with “Danfo Driver.”

The group followed the hit with “Kolobo,” with fans dancing and singing along.

Tony Tetuila, one of the voices associated with the era that shaped Nigerian pop music at the turn of the millennium, also delivered an impressive performance.

He performed “My Car” and “Omode Meta,” bringing the packed hall to its feet.

African China then delivered one of the most powerful performances of the night with his protest classics “Crisis,” “Our Government Bad” and “Mr. President.”

The audience sang along to the songs’ familiar social and political messages, demonstrating that the music still resonates with listeners years after its release.

Teni and Other Stars Keep the Party Going

Korede Bello performed “Godwin” and “Durobuchi,” while Teni followed with a three-song set that included “My Papa No Be Dangote or Adeleke” and “Uyo Meyo.”

Teni received a huge ovation before joining the Atilogu dancers backstage for gyration songs.

Akpororo brought another comic moment to the show when he jokingly challenged Daddy Showkey to a boxing match, saying it was “what’s trending in entertainment right now.”

9ice then took fans through his catalogue with “Alagomeji,” “No Be Mistake,” “Koboso,” “Ancestor” and “No Be Lie.”

He subsequently invited 2Baba to join him on stage.

2Baba Reveals Daddy Showkey’s Early Support

2Baba’s appearance became another major highlight of the night.

He performed “African Queen,” “Ever Since I Left You,” “Broda Me” and “One Love,” before revealing that Daddy Showkey had supported him financially at the beginning of his career by giving him his first $100.

The singer also acknowledged D-One and Kenny Music before performing “I Love Woman” and “Something Wan Happen.”

Daddy Showkey joined him for “Something Wan Happen” before performing “Implication” on his own.

He later reunited with Baba Fryo for “Dem Go Dey Pose,” followed by energetic performances of “Fire Fire” and “Somebody Call My Name.”

Showkey had earlier performed “Welcome,” “Jubilation and Celebration” and “Indicator.”

Sunny Nnaji and Faze also received warm receptions from the crowd.

Among the notable personalities present were former Minister of Youth and Sports Sunday Dare, actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Femi Soneye and veteran comedian Ali Baba.

50 Years of Music and Legacy

The concert ultimately became more than a musical performance. It was a celebration of a career spanning five decades and the lasting influence of Nigerian old-school music.

Daddy Showkey’s celebration also highlighted the importance of nurturing younger talents, with emerging performers given an opportunity to showcase their abilities.

The veteran entertainer rose to prominence in the early 1990s and became one of the defining stars of Nigerian music in the 1990s and 2000s.

He is recognised as one of the pioneers of Galala, a uniquely Nigerian blend of dancehall, reggae and Afro-street music that helped define the sound and culture of a generation.

With songs touching on love, faith and social issues, Daddy Showkey has remained a significant figure in Nigerian entertainment.

His notable songs include “Fire Fire,” “Diana,” “The Name” and “Ghetto Soldier.”

The 50-year celebration proved that the music of that era remains deeply rooted in the hearts of Nigerians, with legends and younger artistes sharing one stage to celebrate the enduring power of music.