By BABAJIDE AWOYINFA

Renowned American R&B group, Shalamar, is set to light up Abuja with an unforgettable concert on Oct. 4, coinciding with Nigeria’s 65th Independence celebrations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event will take place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Fans in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond can look forward to a nostalgic evening filled with classic hits and electrifying performances from the Grammy-winning trio.

The highly anticipated concert, promoted by iCreate Africa in collaboration with First Culture Limited, promises to be a musical journey through Shalamar’s extensive repertoire, making it a must-see for old-school music enthusiasts and new fans alike.

The group is renowned for timeless tracks such as A Night To Remember and I Can Make You Feel Good.

Highlighting the significance of the show, Bright Jaja, Chief Executive Officer of iCreate Africa, described Shalamar’s decision to extend their global tour to Nigeria as a major cultural moment.

"We’re thrilled to welcome Shalamar to Abuja this Independence Weekend. Their decision to include Nigeria on their tour is not just an honour, it’s a long-overdue gift to a vibrant community of music lovers who have carried their legacy for decades,” he said.

Jaja added that the concert would create unforgettable experiences for mature audiences who rarely get events tailored to them.

According to him, tickets are currently available at Jabi Boat Club, El-Amin International School, House 43 and Istanbul Restaurant, Jabi Mall.

Similarly, Tunde Babalola, Creative Director of First Culture, noted that the show goes beyond entertainment.

According to him, 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 curated to evoke thrills, nostalgia and goose bumps.”

In a video message, Shalamar members Howard Hewett, Carolyn Griffey and Jeffrey Daniel expressed excitement about returning to Nigeria.

Daniel, who pioneered the iconic dance move known as the “backslide” (later called the moonwalk), promised fans that the show would truly be “a night to remember.”

Shalamar, celebrated for their energetic performances and contributions to dance music, including popularising “body-popping” in the UK, are regarded as one of the finest funk and soul groups of their generation.

With over 25 million records sold before the classic lineup split in the mid-1980s, the group’s enduring influence remains strong.

The group’s discography includes hits such as Friends, Make That Move, Sweeter As The Days Go By, There It Is and I Owe You One.

This will not be Shalamar’s first Nigerian outing. In January 1982, the band performed at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos, before staging sold-out shows at the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan and then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, Shalamar’s return promises a night of pulsating live performances and a nostalgic experience for lovers of old-school music. (NAN)