Last night, Eko Hotels and Suites became a time machine, transporting a rapturous crowd back to the golden era of Nigerian music in celebration of the iconic DJ Jimmy Jatt.
The Rewind Concert, organised by YAW Naija, wasn’t just another event; it was a love letter to a time when lyrics actually meant something, Styl Plus was the soundtrack of heartbreak, and Daddy Showkey’s Galala moves were a fitness regimen.
It was a time when African China ruled the streets with lyrics that resonated with every Nigerian, 2Baba’s words were repeated in love letters throughout the country, and no party or club night did not feature Jazzman Olofin reminding us that he will ‘demo till he rests in peace’
The Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt; a pioneer extraordinaire
If you’ve been living under a rock or, worse, grew up on TikTok trends, let’s set the record straight. DJ Jimmy Jatt isn’t just a DJ; he’s the DJ. The OG who made hip hop cool in Nigeria before Afrobeats became the toast of world stages.
In the early 2000s, while many were figuring out whether to rock bootcut jeans or baggy cargos, Jimmy Jatt was already spinning magic on the turntables, introducing Nigerians to a sound that blended local vibes with global beats.
He is, quite literally, the father of Nigerian hip hop, and last night’s turnout only confirmed his legendary status.
The lineup of the Rewind Concert was nothing short of iconic. Imagine a playlist curated by your coolest uncle, but live! African China, Daddy Showkey, Styl Plus, Jazzman Olofin, Blackface, Ruggedman, Konga, W4, and the musicians who dominated the charts 20 years ago—all showed up and showed out.
It felt like being in a Lagos nightclub circa 2005, only this time, no bouncer was threatening you for anything.
African China had the crowd chanting “Mr. President, lead us well” reminding us that some Nigerian anthems age like fine wine. Daddy Showkey, true to his ghetto soldier roots, brought the heat with acrobatic moves that had everyone calling his name, “Showkey!” He even took off his shirt, because why not?
Styl Plus gave us goosebumps with “Call My Name” and “Imagine That,” but it was “Olufunmi” that nearly brought tears to the crowd. Forget heartbreak; this was a national treasure being performed live.
2Baba’s Headlining Brilliance
Then came 2Baba. The living legend didn’t just perform; he blessed the stage. From “African Queen” to “Implication,” every hit was a reminder that he remains in a league of his own (Dear Big Three or Big Four, pay attention).
In the middle of his performance, he took a moment to appreciate DJ Jimmy Jatt, saying, “Everybody (All the artists) invited would have loved to be here if not for other commitments. This man is one of a kind.”
And because it’s 2Baba, he couldn’t leave without dropping some nuggets of wisdom for the men in the audience. What did he say? Well, you had to be there to know, but let’s just say the crowd loved it.
YAW Naija: The Man Behind the Magic
Now, who’s YAW Naija, you ask? Yaw is a Nigerian treasure in his own right. From his days as an on-air personality (OAP) to becoming one of the country’s most prominent event organisers, Yaw has always been about celebrating Nigerian excellence.
His ability to pull off a show of this magnitude speaks to his commitment to preserving our music culture. The man literally said, “Let’s rewind”—and we did.
With top comedians cracking ribs to set the tone, legendary OAP and hypeman Do2dtun ensuring no one stayed seated, and corporate sponsors making sure everything was on point, the Rewind Concert was a masterclass in nostalgia done right.
Yaw Naija received a plaque for his immeasurable contributions to the growth of Nigerian music, but the real reward was the love and respect that filled the room.
Rewind, Replay, and a Reminder
The Rewind Concert wasn’t just an event; it was a reminder. A reminder that Nigerian music has a rich history. A reminder of the artists who paved the way for today’s global stars.
And a reminder that DJ Jimmy Jatt isn’t just a DJ but a cultural institution. For those who missed it, well, maybe next time don’t “sleep on bicycle.”
