By: Babatunde Odubanwo
Little did we know that Lanre Fasasi (a.k.a) Sound Sultan’s 8th Wonda would be his last album. Sound Sultan as he was fondly called, made a mark on the Nigerian Entertainment Industry in his active years (alive) as a songwriter, producer, actor, comedian, instrumentalist, and amazing vocalist. His untimely death on July 11, 2021, in faraway United States of America remains a rude shock to fans and admirers of this iconic creative.
Nothing than the industry-large event would suffice than the Nigerian Entertainment Conference(NEC) – to celebrate the life of an extraordinary entertainer – who gave much of his creativity and heart – unselfishly to the benefit of all. The NEC Live series organised by the Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET) was started in 2014 by a renowned Media Executive, Adekunle Ayeni. The purpose of NEC Live was to serve as an all-day affair where crucial issues affecting the Nigerian Entertainment Industry are discussed extensively – by Industry experts and leading figures within the creative sphere in the country.
Of course, Sound Sultan’s life and times – are worth a National Holiday in his name. After all, New York State of the United States posthumously declared December 18 DMX Day (his birthday) in honour of the New York rapper. He (Sound Sultan) scored more than just points at the Basketball Court, strummed the right chords on his beloved guitar, wrote more than just hit songs through his impeccable poetic endowments, did more than just been a fantastic dancer and all-round entertainer – he indeed was the Monarch of socially conscious melodies – King of Sounds (Sound Sultan, if you choose to call him that way).
NEC Live 2021 in honour of Sound Sultan was held at the ultramodern complex of Terra Arena. It is not surprising that the colour code on the solemn night of June 24, 2021 was black – a colour to show to the world that a shooting star has dropped from the galaxy. The red carpet session was replaced with a long-stretched green carpet, an emblematic representation of Sound Sultan’s ‘’larger-than-life’’ nature; the forlorn looks worn on the faces of attendees almost dampened the splendour of the exquisite Terra Arena building which beamed with lights and glamour of the Victoria Island fame.
The Night of Tribute for the phenomenal musician was characterized by a pensive mood, fewer chit-chats by array of celebrities (most of them friends and close associates of the late superstar), sparse commentary between the stars and the ever-active paparazzi team; a few hi’s and hellos here and there – nothing more. When Dare Fasasi (Baba Dee) walked in with the three children of the Late Sound Sultan, eyes turned in their direction and words fail many for the right expression. Afterward, the doors of the venue were flung wide open for guests to get seated; and the show began.
Vektor the Rapper delivered a solemn message cum invocation to open the floor for the big night! The line-up performances for the Sound Sultan’s NEC Live show culminated in his long creative journey encompassing, Music, Comedy, Poetry, Rapping, and Movies.
In the spirit of the night, a video slide of Sound Sultan’s life showed on the big LED screen on the center stage displaying some facets of his life. Following up were comedy performances in which Efe Warri Boy and SLK (both of whom paid more glowing tributes to the Late Sound Sultan than cracking up ribs).
A cover version of ‘’Orobo’’ was delivered by Azadus and Excel. After the performance of the Orobo song, Azadus made an acapella dirge rendition of his song, Say me well. The beautiful Comedienne, Chigurl was lost for hilarious delivery on this night that she turned a preacher and waxed poetically. In her words, she said: “Death is with us anywhere we go but Sound Sultan was a man who put death to shame”.
Sound Sultan was also known to be a Spoken word poet in his lifetime. To celebrate him was Sage – a veteran spoken word artiste – who performed a tribute poem in honour of a man he first met in the year 1999. The plot of the soul-lifting poem revolved around the reality of death; the impacts of Sound Sultan’s craft including the deceased unmistakable humanity. Johnny Drille and Aramide delivered an acoustic version of Motherland – one of the classics by Sound Sultan.
A list of tribute was offered by Paul, a media executive, and friend of Sound Sultan; Kenny Ogungbe (represented by the daughter); Olisa Adibua (celebrated On Air Personality); an Emotional outburst by Comedienne Princess (who spoke largely of childhood memories mixed with the nostalgia of early fame life – his continuous relationship as a brother in need); Emma Ugolee, Kube (a celebral palsy advocate and friend of Sound Sultan), Eldee, Segun Adefila, and TY mix. Worthy of mention is the tribute outpour from Brooklyn, New York in the United States of America – and the short video tribute from The Voice Nigeria featuring top musical acts like Darey Arts Alade, Waje, Yemi Alade, and Falz.
A cover rendition of Fayaa Fayaa by Illbliss and Vektor laddened with rap flows represented another part of Sound Sultan only a few knew. Faze, a multiple award-winning vocalist and a former member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz dressed in a Ninja black attire did a brilliant cover of another classic by Sound Sultan, Natural Something. The night wasn’t complete with the trio of Black Face, Faze and 2face (all of the Plantashun Boiz fame) set aside their longstanding differences of several years to perform an acapella of ‘’Other Side of Existence’’ and ‘’Plantashun Boiz.
Sound Sultan is without doubt a unifier of people (irrespective of tribe, status or belief system). It was indeed a wonder that key industry players, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers defiled the odds of the times to pay tribute to a great guy, Sound Sultan. His death, no doubt, has created a vacuum in the industry – one whose big shoes only a few can wear. He lived a life worthy of emulation and pioneered a movement of conscious artists whose lyrical contents bring about social discourse and the need for justice for all.
Sound Sultan on this night offered to the world another type of wonder, the ninth wonder of love, charity and friendship.
