THE GALLERIA HOSTS THE JACKSON FAMILY

Yesterday was a star studded day' or night' whatever. The Bruce family hosted the Nigerian Jackson family to the biggest and probably the only Michael Jackson tribute held in Nigeria. I guess they are the only ones that give a damn that the number one entertainer of all time is no more.

The evening glittered as stars like D banj, Wande Coal, MI, DJ Zeez, Eva, Waje, Roof Top MCs, Omawunmi, Dr Frabbs, Kaffy and her Crew, Cobhams Asuquo and the likes came out to all honor the late legend with costumes and renditions of some of his hits.

The evening kicked off at about past 7pm with a mammoth-sized crowd at every entrance and exit of the building screaming and kicking to get in. I guess we all now know why folks put gate fees at shows. People were nasty and doing every and anything to get inside. Some went as far as posing like celebrities to get in but thank God for the able bodied bouncers that bullied some into calling it a night and others into delinquent acts like breaking the windscreen Guy Murray Bruces very expensive Armada Jeep and Cecil Hammonds own big by ride. This was actually the reason the show ended early. If anybody tells you different' they are lying.

Celebrities like Dbanj who had spent painful hours on dance routine and costume in order to wow the crowd was denied his time to shine following the unexpected closing of the show at about 10pm-ish. He was seen fuming as he marched out of the venue disappointed. Awww! Don't worry Dapo' no one lives forever' perhaps in another tribute in the future, you will be the show opener okay? Wande Coal, Cobhams Asuquo and Omawunmi were also among the artists that were not given the opportunity to do their thing.

Performances were' um' well' yall are gonna have to forgive me if I am not jumping out of my seat for the performances of the night. I mean, I just dont see the sense in coming to perform YOUR own song in a tribute to someone else, especially when you were asked not to. What is wrong with people? Mr Cool who got up on stage and mimed' and I mean that in every way' mimed Michael Jacksons Man in the Mirror, did not really impress the crowd. His outfit was great though and I do have to commend him for it.

Waje unfortunately did not get a warm welcome when introduced on stage. As a matter of fact, quite a number of people booed her before she did her very brief version of Michael Jacksons Liberian Girl' her version was Nigerian boy with Dr. Frabbs on the keyboard. She did her thing even though it was a bit pitchy for me but when she was through, she gave a slight comment to the people who booed her and dared them to get on stage and do what she did. Now' correct me if I am wrong but I dont think that was wise, coming from a person whose success in career is actually based on the same people you are carrying body for. Someone needs to tell that chick to re-prioritize herself. Success in the music industry is sooo much more than talent' I mean, look at Dbanj.

Roof top Mcs did a very nice and comical version of Michael Jacksons Smooth Criminal, with Kunle doing the whole groin thing. It was cute. Those guys are my guys ANYDAY.

The beautiful lady of gold- EVA came on stage and did a very heart warming rendition of Michael Jacksons Gone too Soon. This was of course after about 10minutes of the crowd waiting on her to show up after she had been introduced. Hmm' (head scratch) anyways, she got up and did her thing and we really didn't regret the wait.

Kaffy and her crew got the crowd excited as they came on with a Michael Jackson medley and did the whole Michael Jackson dance routine' and then Kaffy just had to do a solo dance performance of Dirty Diana. It was okay' I guess.

The very smallish and cute MI, came up in his smoking red Michael Jackson-like Jacket and did his song on a Michael Jackson beat. I gotta tell you that I was pretty disappointed. Jude sweetheart, wait for your own show next time to do your own thing but this was Michael Jackson's tribute, if you can't sing his song, you should have just shown up and not performed' period! I mean, Rooftop MCs are rappers and they SANG the song with a little bit of a personalized rap (sigh).

The event could not have been complete without the crazy TV personality- Denrele who came looking as ridiculously cute as he always does. The show was anchored by the cute and dashing IK, formerly known as wild child.

Okay folks, I am gonna call it a night. Trust that your girl will give you an inside scoop to the THIS DAY show featuring R Kelly very very soon' thats if I get in. N5000 no bi beans o! Catch ya on line. Till then' Toodles. graye@goodlife.com.ng