By Oladele Eniola
Lagos, Dec. 21, 2025 – The Stanbic IBTC-sponsored Fuze Festival transformed into a pulsating epicenter of Nigerian music culture this past Saturday night, stretching into the early hours of Sunday. Headlined by the iconic Wande Coal and the soulful Chike, with powerhouse support from Pheelz and Ms Def, the event was more than a concert; it was a masterclass in live performance and a vibrant celebration of the nation’s sonic identity.
The festival’s success underscores a growing trend in Nigeria’s entertainment scene: the powerful return of the immersive live experience. In an era of digital streaming, events like Fuze offer an irreplaceable connection, reminding fans of the raw energy and communal joy that only a shared physical space can provide.
A Night of Curated Musical Journeys
Each artist crafted a distinct sonic atmosphere, taking the audience on a dynamic journey:
- Chike opened a chapter of romance and reflection, serenading the crowd with his velvety vocals on love-themed anthems like “Running (To You)” and “If You No Love.” His set was an intimate counterpoint, proving that a captivated silence can be as powerful as roaring cheers.
- Wande Coal then shifted the gear entirely, launching into a nostalgic yet fiercely energetic set. As the opening chords of classics like “You Bad” and “Bumper 2 Bumper” rang out, the festival became a massive sing-along. His performance was a testament to timeless artistry, bridging generations of music lovers who danced as one.
- Pheelz, the hitmaker producer-turned-performer, harnessed pure electricity. Tracks like “Finesse” and “Electricity” with BNXN lived up to their names, his kinetic energy becoming a contagion that swept across the venue.
- Ms Def held her own among the heavyweights, captivating the audience with commanding stage presence and crisp vocal delivery. Her performance highlighted the depth and diversity of talent shaping the modern Nigerian soundscape.
The Audience Perspective: More Than Just Music
Speaking with attendees revealed the multifaceted value of such festivals:
- Tayo Bello highlighted the event as a “perfect escape from daily stress,” noting the therapeutic, time-suspending quality of being immersed in top-tier performances.
- Akere Adeolu pinpointed the unique artist-fan synergy, stating, “It’s different from listening to the songs online; the vibe is unmatched.” This speaks to the authenticity of live music, where improvisation, crowd interaction, and sheer human effort create a unique, one-time-only event.
- For Moyo Ade, the impact was emotional and uplifting, a reminder of music’s power to collectively elevate mood and foster positive communal experiences.
- Zion Okafor praised the seamless organization, emphasizing the critical role of corporate sponsors like Stanbic IBTC in enabling large-scale cultural productions that “bring people together and create memorable experiences.”
The Bigger Picture: Fuze as a Cultural Catalyst
The Fuze Festival’s resonance extends beyond a single night of entertainment. It serves as a vital platform for artist exposure, a barometer for current musical trends, and a significant economic driver for local vendors, technicians, and the creative economy. By successfully blending established legends with contemporary stars, the festival curates a living narrative of Nigerian music’s evolution.
As the lights came up on Sunday morning, the message was clear: the hunger for authentic, shared live experiences is stronger than ever. The Fuze Festival didn’t just host performances; it forged memories, strengthened the fabric of the music community, and set a high standard for what a Nigerian music festival can be. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Folasade Adeniran
