Etcetera’s day out

BY CHUKS NWANNE
A day after his self titled album, Etcetera, was adjudged Record of The Year at the Hip-Hop World Award held recently at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Etcetera took time to notify his friends and well wishers of his latest achievement.
To the media guys, he sent a special message in appreciation of their support to his music career.
“It’s said that nobody becomes an Etcetera all by himself. Everything I’ve achieved is because of the assistance I got from you guys. I’ll be ever grateful, thanks for your support,” his message read.
However, it’s unusual to receive such message from a typical Nigerian artiste; so, you could understand the reason behind the love shown to the multi instrumentalist at the Black Pearl Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he gathered friends to celebrate his latest award.
Tagged Black Tie Gig, the event, which was held in collaboration with his record label, X3M Music led by Steve Babaeko, began with a red carpet reception that saw showbiz stars converge under one roof to watch the Imo State native gig live.
As usual, an event of such calls for formal attire. Trust Lagosians; it was another opportunity to show their latest collections. While some guys turned out in tuxedos, fashionable ladies glowed in cocktail and long dresses. Of course, some failed to conform to the dress code. You asked if they were thrown out? No, no, the gig was actually and appreciation show, so, there was no need for that.
With a cocktail of drinks, spoken word, beautiful poetry and soft music, guests lounged and networked; spending the entire evening networking and exchanging banters while the artiste thrilled.
“I feel so happy that people responded well to my gathering. It was just three hours of networking and banter but the impact it has on me is everlasting, and it is going to linger for a long time,” Etcetera said.
Hosted by singer turned radio presenter, Tosyn Bucknor, present at the event are Kiss event’s Howie T, Ayo Animashaun of Hip-Hop World, talent manager, Joice Ize-Iyamu and others.
The list of artistes includes rapper Kel, H Man, Tosin Martins, GT the Guitar Man, Weird MC, Terry Tha Rapman, OD, Mode9 and German based Bantu. Others are Ebuka Obi- Uchendu of the Big Brother Nigeria, poet Sage Hasson, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi and others.
Pascal Ejikeme otherwise called Etcetera, signed on X3M Music, a record label founded by Steve Babaeko. His album, Etcetera, was released in May, 2008 from which further singles like This Is Not A Song, Michelle and Biafra, were released.
Excited Etcetera, who is presently in the studio working on his yet-to-be- titled second album said, “the journey continues; this is just my starting point and I’m so glad that people now appreciate good music.”