Under the heat of the Lagos sun at Palms Mall, Lekki, guests for #WithChudeLive, the much-anticipated Africa’s first-ever talk concert were pacing across the walkway, stranded and wondering when the show would begin.
Although scheduled for 2 p.m, the audience were kept waiting in quiet, restless anticipation. Those who arrived early, lured by the promise of good seating arrangements and better access to the speakers were disappointed as there was no one to guide them to their seats. All one could see was an unfinished hall setting and a crowd that increased by the minute. There were no welcome notes, or apology, only whispers passed mouth-to-mouth about where to stand, where to queue, and what may be expected.
By 3 p.m, guests were finally ushered into the venue, for yet another round of waiting. Another hour ticked by, heavy with thirst, loud chatter, and buzz. Though getting irritated, the crowd waited: fans of Jennifer, Bop Daddy’s loyalists, Pastor Jerry Eze’s faithful, the disciples of Joy Inc., the stans of Bovi, Falz, Ruth Kadiri; the list was endless.
Hope lingered in the air, held tightly by the promise of the appearance of Odeluwa herself: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. To set the mood and reward their patience, two old episodes of #WithChude with Sola Sobowale, the King of Boys’ star and the late Adah Ameh were played. There was a silent mourning as the moments with Adah Ameh aka Emu of the Johnsons was relieved. But this soon gave way to the evening’s yearning, the audience wanted the real meal of the evening.
For many, they had to endure these delays so they could enjoy the thrill of seeing Chude do his thing, for others, it was to see their faves in action while some simply wanted to get their money’s worth for the evening.
By 4:07 pm, the show was finally set to begin. Many were still grumpy on not being earlier informed that the 2pm was for the red carpet and not the main event as believed by many but they remained expectant, eager to move past the last few hours and enjoy all the evening has to offer. Finally, the man of the moment, Chude Jideonwo declared the evening open recounting once more why the WithChude outfit exists.
He wove the evening together with the mastery of a man who understands the power of storytelling. Aptly describing the evening as a confluence of arts, humor, vulnerability, and brilliance.
For the first panel session, Teni the Entertainer, Taooma, and Kiekie graced the stage, each woman speaking candidly about success and fear. Their stories were testaments of grit and grace, proving that even giants tremble and success comes when you never stop moving.
In an interlude, Temi T, a beauty to behold, held the audience spellbound with her spoken word rendition, “Don’t doubt what inspires you,” she urged, a reminder to the dreamers who listened.
During his session, Bovi Ugboma, comedian and filmmaker, shared a quieter, deeper side of life, speaking of loss, family, and healing. His vulnerability and honesty was soothing, “If pain and pain mix, there’s no gain choosing love over bitterness.” he concluded.
The room shifted the moment Falz took the stage. Folarin Falana, aka Bop Daddy, lit up the room with an energy that was impossible to ignore. His conversation on activism, politics, and love wasn’t just a random discussion; it was a call to compassion, fearless living and active participation.
During the second panel featuring Ruth Kadiri, Hauwa Lawal, and Moses Bliss, the conversations steered towards stories of vulnerability, strength, and authenticity amidst today’s demanding world.
Midway through the show, Chude treated the audience to a beautiful reading from his highly anticipated memoir, How Depression Saved My Life, accompanied by an orchestra. It was a moment of deep emotional connection for everyone listening. He also shared a heartfelt poem from the book, offering an intimate glimpse into his personal journey of healing, hope, and triumph.
His rendition embraced his vulnerability, an uncommon trait for a man in an African society, and spoke further to the heart of what he does, humanity. Reminding us that we all can be human regardless of place, time, gender and societal labels.
During the personal interviews segment, Funke Akindele, popularly referred to as Jenifa, spoke candidly about marketing, politics, depression, and resilience. She was, in every way, the triumphant phoenix, a living, breathing story of an impressive comeback.
Also during the interviews, Jerry Eze spoke of his journey, beating poverty first and then pastoring. His is a reminder that God’s plans often ridicule our most perfect plans.
Finally, the moment we had all waited for, the session with Odeluwa Herself, the renowned Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She stood tall and regal amidst the crowd’s ovation. Her interview was a symphony of thoughtfulness, wit, and courage. Every word she utters is like a soothing balm slowly pervading the soul. The audience, spellbound, stayed seated until 9 PM, unwilling to let go of her magic.
At last the evening ended, what started as a day filled with complaints evolved into a beautiful evening dedicated to real, meaningful conversations.
Chude Jideonwo did not just host a talk show, he orchestrated a movement. A gathering of dreamers, doers, lovers, and warriors. The fiery passion of Africa’s youth shined through the night, proving once again that knowledge, empathy, courage, and artistry are not relics of the past, but are still very much alive in our days.
