Preparation In Top Gear For Karafest 2024…. the charismatic karaoke maestro sugar is plus one

Preparation In Top Gear For Karafest 2024…The charismatic karaoke maestro sugar is plus one

By prince Benson Davies

In preparation for the second edition of the unique event called Karaoke Festival (KARAFEST), organizers of the show have revealed plans to staging a bigger and better event than they did last year, as they aim to reach a larger audience.

Recall that on December 2, 2023, the first ever Karaoke Festival in the country held at Wild Charcoal Restaurant, Ikeja, Lagos state.

Planned, organized and hosted by foremost Charismatic magnificent talented KJ (Karaoke Jockey), Jiboye Adekunle Olawanishola, popularly known as ‘The Maestro Sugarr’, KARAFEST saw music and Karaoke lovers gather to experience karaoke like never before.

Adekunle, who was born into the Jiboye Family in Emure-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State, studied Computer Science at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

He had his early education at Universal Primary Education School 1 in 1986 and his secondary Education at FESTAC Grammar School, Lagos.

Speaking exclusively to the New Experience newspaper, The Maestro-Sugarr, said he decided to organize the event due to the fact that he has been part of those who influenced the growth and popularity of karaoke in the Karaoke Community.

He took the time to explain the difference between a DJ and a KJ to ensure clarity in representation, as the latter is less popular.

“First off, I am not a DJ. a DJ is a disc jockey. Those who play music at parties, at events, with their turntables and all of that. But I am a KJ, a karaoke jockey. What I do is handle anything in the karaoke business. I put in karaoke music. I anchor the shows. I make sure that the guests have a good time whenever it comes to karaoke.

“So that’s the difference between a KJ and a DJ. A DJ is a disc jockey, while a KJ is a karaoke jockey.”

He also touched on what Karaoke Music is and how it became a thing in Nigeria.

“Karaoke is actually a form of entertainment that was actually done in China.  And it was also brought to Nigeria by a very, very distinguished Indian called Mr. Haresh. We know him as Mr. H. So he brought karaoke to Nigeria back then, I think in the late 80s and 90s. So karaoke is a fun event whereby the instrumental of a song and the lyrics of that song are displayed on the screen.

“So while you as a guest will sing a song with these lyrics displayed on the screen without the original voice on it,.  So it will be like you were the ones singing the song originally

That’s what karaoke is. You just sing to a favorite tune or a song you know; let’s say for instance, Uh, Oyeka Uwenu’s song.

So, the instrumental of Oyeka Uwenu song will be playing, but the voice of Oyeka Uwenu will not be there.

So, you will be the one singing on the microphone to Oyeka Uwenu’s instrumental of that song, while the lyrics of the song will be displaying on the screen”.

Speaking further, SUGARR revealed why and how he ended up as a KJ, despite his educational background in Computer Science.

“Before I entered into karaoke, I was a graphic artist, so I was into graphic design and printing; afterwards, I went into construction.  So I worked with a master builder in one of the construction companies, which was a South African company. Then, you know know how things are; you just want to try different things.

“And because I was also blessed with the talent of music, it was easy for me to switch from graphics to construction to karaoke.

“I actually studied computer science and also had had a diploma certificate, which was in affiliation with one of the courses in Uni-Lag.  It was also a computer-certified course before I graduated with BSC in computer science, but of course, you know how things work; at the end of the day, Karaoke came out on top”.

On the second edition of KARAFEST, billed to take place on Saturday, December 8, 2024, SUGARR indicated his willingness to work with sponsors, shedding light on what being a part of the event can do for brands.

“First off, every sponsor wants a mature, patronizing crowd, right?

“Whereby they can reach out to a certain number of people and market their brand.  Now, take, for instance, KARAFEST, a Karaoke festival that boasts of  3, 000 people  and I approach a bank,  let’s say, GTBank.

“And I tell them, at least, you know, I have an upcoming event boasting of over 3, 000 to 4, 000 guests in attendance. It’s an opportunity for GtBank to be a part of the event as a sponsor because the event creates a major avenue to secure prospective individuals to bank with them.

So, it’s an opportunity for every sponsor to advertise, showcase their brands and market their services at the event.

“Every brand still needs more advertising and more customers.

“Yeah, so KARAFEST gives that avenue to brands to associate and meet with these guests, and hopefully they sell their services.

For the second edition, SUGARR says the event will not be held at last year’s venue, Wild Charcoal Restaurant, Ikeja, We hope to get somewhere bigger, as he aims to entertain a larger audience, highlighting strategies for promotion.

“Yes, I believe the second one is going to be bigger and from the experience of what we’ve gotten from the first one, we know how to tackle the flaws and make sure that the second one becomes way better and bigger

For his big day today, SUGARR says he will be opting for a quiet, low-key, party-free birthday, as he wishes to use the day to simply reflect on life and the gifts of family and friends.

“I just want to take time to reflect on life and plan effectively for the next big thing
.  So, when I say I won’t be doing anything, means I won’t be throwing a party; I won’t be doing any party whatsoever. I just want to thank God for life.  And, you know, this is the opportunity to be with family, be with friends, and, you know, be grateful for life.

He revealed that he will be at one of the Karaoke spots where he works and those who wish to see him in action can always turn up and are highly invited.

“Of course, I’ll be at work. I’ll be at Big Apple Royale. So, my Thursday spot, you know, normal Karaoke will go on and yes, I’ll go back home a happy man as always.

‘I know few friends would want to celebrate with me and all of that, but I won’t be doing any parties, he maintained.

SUGARR left us with a list of KARAOKE spots around Lagos, where anyone and everyone can go and unwind, alluding to the arts wild-spread presence.

“There is Roppongi Lounge at 12th Road every Tuesday at 8 o’clock,   There is Canary world at 24th Road.  the Karaoke’s on Thursdays.

‘There are other places, IB I Z A, on Tuesdays. There is Eminence Classic Hotel on Agor Road, Liberty Estate, every Tuesday 7pm

“Now, there is Big Apple Royale; it’s on Isolo road, and their Karaoke is on Thursdays at 7 p. m. as well.  Then on, on mostly mainland Ikeja, we have Bex Bar; their Karaoke days are Mondays and Saturdays. .
Eminent classic hotel every Tuesday. Wild Charcoal at GRA Ikeja number 37, OBA AKINJOBI Way (GRA) IKEJA, every Wednesdays.

“There are other bars on Egbeda that have this karaoke shows.  And we also have, on the mainland, a whole lot of bars. We have the Go2Lounge 45 at Yaba Alagomeji. Green vault lounge, Egbeda Lounge, and Mint Lounge GRA ikeja Maryland
“We have W Bar. We have a loft bar. We have Charlie’s Bar at Maryland. We have Barrel’s Lounge.  We have the Wells Bar. There’s Palazzo and many more.  Karaoke is popular; it’s spreading  everywhere.