The 2017 Easter celebrations in Port Harcourt will remain indelible in the memory of residents for a long time to come as some of Africa’s wittiest comedians treated them to exhilarating fun on Easter Sunday.
Nigeria’s most popular comedy brand, Glo Laffta Fest, organised by the next generation network, Globacom, held Port Harcourt residents spellbound for six hours at the ultramodern event centre, Aztech Arcum, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt.
Home-grown talent, Arinze Baba was the star of the night as he tore the hall apart with ingenious stories, anecdotes and incredible punch lines.
He finished his routine to an uproarious applause from the audience most of whom were on their feet and were either whistling loudly or hollering on top of their voices.
More established stand up acts, Acapella and Bash sustained the tempo, while the masters, Basketmouth, Bovi, Gordons and Salvador from Uganda, vividly demonstrated why they have remained enduring stars on the continent’s entertainment firmament.
The duo of GSN and K.O. Baba gave a good account of themselves as they dazzled attendees at the crowded event centre.
Random members of the audience also had opportunity to share the spotlight with the international stars as they participated in energetic competitive dance that produced three winners each in the male and female categories.
In the female category, Mercy Igboanugo and Joy Boniface, both students and Faith ‘Dizzbaby’ Kwelle (entertainer), emerged joint winners as the audience could not decide who was the best of the three.
In the male category, the trio of Emmanuel Odiase, a youth corp member, King Birabi, a comedian, and Ojinmaduka Divine, a student, outlasted the legion of men who jumped on the stage to try their luck. They went home with Glo-branded gift packs.
Nollywood legend, Richard Mofe-Damijo, ace actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, accomplished comedian, Victor Osuagwu and the goddess of Nollywood, Patience Ozokwor brightened the night with their presence.
The Glo Laffta Fest is scheduled to hold in 26 other cities including Awka, Ikeja, Ikorodu, FESTAC , Ajah, Owerri; Asaba; Calabar; Enugu; Aba; Suleja, Kubwa, FCT, Ibadan; Ijebu Ode; Abeokuta; Ekpoma; Kaduna; Akure; Lokoja; and Anyigba.
Federal Capital City (FCT) Abuja will host the next event at the Old Parade Ground, Garki on Sunday, 23 April, 2017. Those wishing to attend the Abuja show or any of the other remaining 26 shows are expected to use up to N2,000 credit within one month and text LOL and preferred location to short code 240; for example, “LOL Abuja” to 240.