Malta Guinness Street Dance Africa kicks off in Jos

Winner of the Jos competition,The Amen group
displaying their stuffThe much awaited Malta Guinness Street Dance Africa championship kicked off in Jos, Plateau State capital as young and talented dance buffs from the town and its and environs thronged the venues for the auditioning and the regional championship to choose one crew that will represent the region at the national level where it is expected to lock horns with other crews from the other four regions that will compete for the championship.

After a herculean task for the Judges, made up of Guinness world record holder for the longest dance, Kaffayat Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, dancer and choreographer, Frank Konwea, of the Big Brother Nigeria fame and dance instructor/choreographer, Wale Sodade, a.k.a Wale Rubber, in selecting five dance crews from the auditioning which recorded a total of 34 registered crews, it was obvious that it was not going to be an easy task choosing one crew to represent the region for the finals.

Being the first city to witness the regional event of the competition, the Jos show was a prelude to the number of regional events slated for five cities across Nigeria where one dance crew will be selected from each of the regions to contest at the finals. The Jos regional event kicked off with a thorough screening of about 34 dance crews out of which five dance crews were chosen to slug it out for only one slot to represent the region. The event also had in attendance some of the very best and popular artistes, musicians and comedians who are based in the city and environs.

After the initial screening which took place for two days at the Hill Station Hotel Conference Hall, five dance crews made it to the regional finals. These dance crews which were made up of young boys and girls who came in colorful and flashy costumes included Angels, Amen, Royal Family, The dance Grills and Freestylers.

At the regional finals which took place at the Crest Motel, Jos, the five dance crews came out in grand style displaying well choreographed, acrobatic dance steps. To make the competition more challenging, the five dance crews had to be initially trimmed down to three out of which Amen, The Dance Grills and Freestylers were selected to appear on stage for the final showdown to select the regional winner. It was a battle royale as each dance crew returned with more enthusiasm, showcasing the finest dance styles unique to the Nigerian musical terrain. Of particular note was dance crew, Amen who, eventually carried the day as the regional winner to represent the region at the finals that will be held in Lagos later in the year.

Before emerging as the Jos regional winner, the Amen dance crew, which is made up of an all masked group of six boys came into the competition with the determination to win the regional event with their well rehearsed dance steps which thrilled the crowd and even the judges. At their first coming, their dance steps, though not very physical, which was brief, kept the crowd yelling for more, while also appreciating their captivating dance steps. An excited Kaffy, who could not hide her feelings, commented; “you guys are great, you blew my mind and this is what I like to see representing Nigeria. But do me one favour, add some icing to the cake, she advised.

Wale, one of the judges, on the other hand expressed satisfaction with the dancers, stating that they showed different dance styles but pointed out that they lacked physicality, while Frank another judge, advised the group to show better cohesion if they would make it to the next stage.

On their second coming, the Amen crew returned to the stage with more determination to carry the day by showing greater zeal and better choreography and more originality and physicality. They appeared in their usual mask, which stood them out in the pack. Though the other dance crews performed creditably, after a very strong contest, the Amen group was announced winner of the Jos regional championship to a tumultuous crowd who cheered and jeered as the group jumped with excitement, displaying a fresh bout of great dance steps to the already excited crowd.

Again, TGIF moves to Abuja tonight

After a string of successful outings in different parts of the country, the last being Port Harcourt, Gordon’s Spark Thank Gordon’s Spark Its Friday party (TGIF) series continues with another rave scheduled for Abuja tonight. This is the second time the TGIF train will visit the Capital City.

Gordon’s Spark; a leading brand from Nigeria’s foremost brewer Guinness Nigeria Plc, has consistently strove to ender communal bonding between revellers, citizens, family and friends who have one thing in common: a consistent and insatiable appetite for through one single platform- relaxation.

Toruka Osadunkwu, Brand Manager, Gordon’s Spark, justifying the TGIF party series: “ Gordon’s Spark is a brand that truly aims at providing the hardworking and discerning Nigerian, irrespective of gender, the opportunity to relax, unwind and celebrate in style with family and friends, in an atmosphere that exudes - inviting ambience, class and distinction. As for quality there is no doubt that we have been improving on the quality of our parties after each event. Abuja has a special place in our hearts, that’s why we are coming back again, and this time around, we promise them a better treat more than they got last time around.’’

In continuation of the tradition of the TGIF party series, rave –making comedian AY will be the compere at the occasion, while Nigezie and Souncity’s delectable VJs would also storm the event in their usual style and glitz. Acclaimed DJ Jimmy Jatt will be on hand to turn the wheels of steel.

Guinness already promises that this would be one TGIF that is bound to change the face of Abuja and be the talk of the city for a long while to come. Gordon’s Spark has always prided itself as a brand that is distinct in terms of entertainment. Aside from the TGIF party series, the brand intermittently organises social events, which brings people together in an atmosphere of fun and relaxation. Top amongst such events include-the Kennis Music Easter Fiesta. The brand has also over the years hosted top international music acts like Joe, Sean Paul and Boyz 11 Men.

The TGIF party series has already made multiple stops in cities like: Lagos, Jos, Ibadan, Benin, Uyo, Abuja and Port Harcourt. With Gordon’s Spark TGIF, the fun never really stops and whatever you do, do it with style.