Rhythm Unplugged
{{Short description|Music festival}}
{{Infobox concert|concert_name=Rhythm Unplugged|date=Every Year, December|location=Lagos, Ibadan, Benin City, Port Harcourt, Abuja|attendance=5000|image=|image_caption=Davido Performing at the Rhythm Unplugged}}
Rhythm Unplugged is annual music concert in Nigeria, West Africa.{{Cite web|url=https://silverbirdtv.com/entertainment/66748/pepsi-rhythm-unplugged-2019-flytime-promotions-unveils-outstanding-artistes/|title=Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged 2019: Flytime Promotions Unveils Outstanding Artistes|date=2019-12-13|website=SilverbirdTV|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}} CEO of the Flytime Group, Cecil Hammond, organised the first concert in 2004.{{Cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/life/music/hammond-celebrating-15-years-of-rhythm-unplugged/|title=Hammond… Celebrating 15 years of Rhythm Unplugged|date=2019-10-26|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}} The concert features a lineup of Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, and RnB artists from within and outside Nigeria. It is organised by Flytime Promotions, a subsidiary of the Flytime Group.{{Cite web|url=https://silverbirdtv.com/entertainment/66748/pepsi-rhythm-unplugged-2019-flytime-promotions-unveils-outstanding-artistes/|title=Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged 2019: Flytime Promotions Unveils Outstanding Artistes|date=2019-12-13|website=SilverbirdTV|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}}
The 2024 edition marked its 20th anniversary and was headlined by American rapper Gunna. Other performers were Burna Boy , BNXN, Fireboy DML, Shallipopi, and Tyla.
The 2011 Lagos edition of Rhythm Unplugged unveiled artists including Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay.{{Cite web|url=http://jaguda.com/events/rhythm-unplugged-music-comedy-concert-lagos-dec-18th-2011/|title=Rhythm Unplugged: Music & Comedy Concert {{!}} Lagos {{!}} Dec 18th, 2011 {{!}} Jaguda.com|last=Jaguda|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}}
History
Rhythm Unplugged was first organised by Cecil Hammond in 2004 via his company Flytime Promotions. The entertainment event was designed to promote Nigerian musicians and comedians at a time when the Nigerian music industry was just gaining recognition on the international music scene.{{Cite web|url=https://www.olumuyiwa.com.ng/2016/12/24/meet-cecil-hammond-the-brain-behind-pepsi-rhythm-unplugged/|title=Meet Cecil Hammond, the brain behind Pepsi Rhythm unplugged|last=Olayinka|first=Olumuyiwa|date=2016-12-24|website=Olumuyiwa's Blog|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}}
Rhythm Unplugged concerts featured dialoguing co-hosts, notably, co-hosts Julius Agwu and Okey Bakassi, who hosted several Flytime Promotions events in the early years.{{Cite web |date=2015-11-24 |title=Artistes Performing alongside Trey Songz revealed |url=https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/events/pepsi-rhythm-unplugged-artistes-performing-along-side-trey-songz-revealed/v6xhg97 |access-date=2020-01-25 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en-US}} Rhythm Unplugged also pioneered the extensive artist line-up for single concert events in Nigeria.{{Cite web |date=2012-12-28 |title=Untold story of Rhythm Unplugged 2012 |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/12/untold-story-of-rhythm-unplugged-2012/ |access-date=2020-01-25 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}}
= Conception =
The first Rhythm Unplugged concert was held in 2004 at Fantasyland in Ikoyi, Lagos and tickets sold out.
Following the success of the first Rhythm Unplugged concert, Flytime Promotions announced that it would host the concert annually at a larger venue in order to accommodate the growing fan base. In years since, Rhythm Unplugged has been hosted at the Federal Palace Hotel, the Ocean View and, most recently, at the Eko Convention Center all in Victoria Island, Lagos.{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/rhythm-unplugged-music-fest-2019-set-thrill-lagos-fans|title=Rhythm Unplugged music fest 2019 set to thrill Lagos fans|date=2019-12-17|website=Music In Africa|language=en|access-date=2020-01-25}}
Locations
The concerts have taken place in multiple cities across Nigeria, including Benin, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Jos, and Ibadan. There have been over 40 editions of Rhythm Unplugged since 2004 in various cities, however, the primary concert is still held in Lagos, at the Eko Convention center.
In 2010, Rhythm Unplugged was hosted in Benin City. It was the first Rhythm Unplugged concert hosted outside of Lagos.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2011/01/07/echoes-from-rhythm-unplugged/|title=Echoes From Rhythm Unplugged|date=2011-01-07|website=P.M. News|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}}
In 2011 a Rhythm Unplugged concert was held in Abuja.{{Cite news|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/10/in-abuja-comedy-meets-music-at-rhythm-unplugged/|title=In Abuja, comedy meets music at Rhythm Unplugged|last=Adefaye|date=22 October 2011|work=Vanguard|access-date=25 January 2020}} The 2011 Lagos edition of Rhythm Unplugged unveiled artists including Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, Tiwa Savage, and Seyi Shay.
In 2012, two Rhythm Unplugged concerts were held outside Lagos. The first concert was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and featured the popular singer from Rivers State, Duncan Mighty.{{Cite news|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201203310210.html|title=Nigeria: How Harp Rhythm, Got Unplugged in Port Harcourt|last=Amadi|first=Ogbonna|date=31 March 2012|work=All Africa|access-date=25 January 2020}} The second concert was held in Ibadan, Oyo State and featured performances from Wizkid, Davido, 2Baba and Olamide.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/05/23/harp-rhythm-unplugged-berths-in-ibadan/|title=Harp Rhythm Unplugged Berths In Ibadan|date=2012-05-23|website=P.M. News|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}}
In 2013, Rhythm Unplugged was held in Lagos and featured major international and domestic acts including Wyclef, P-Square, Burna Boy and Olamide.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/2face-wizkid-others-excited-fans-rhythm-unplugged/|title=How 2face, Wizkid, others excited fans at Rhythm Unplugged!|date=2013-12-20|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}} This edition of the concert was sponsored by Harp Lager and was branded Harp Rhythm Unplugged.
The 2014 edition of Rhythm Unplugged marked its 10th anniversary and featured P-Square, Davido, Mavin All Stars, Olamide, MI, Patoranking, Waje, Yemi Alade, Seyi Shay, Skales, Runtown, Bovi, Julius Agwu, Okey Bakassi, I Go Dye and Akpororo. {{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/nigeria/thisday/20141228/281968901046759|title=Pepsi Rescues Rhythm Unplugged|via=PressReader|access-date=2020-01-25}} It was Flytime Promotions' largest and most well-attended Rhythm Unplugged.
Also, in 2014, Pepsi became the major corporate sponsor of Rhythm Unplugged, and the concert was correspondingly named Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/events/a-decade-of-entertainment-pepsi-rhythm-unplugged-2014-to-hold-today/vhvcpb4|title=Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged 2014 to hold today|date=2014-12-19|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}} Pepsi remains the concert's major corporate sponsor, and subsequent editions of Rhythm Unplugged maintain the Pepsi prefix. File:Trey Songz.jpg
The 2015 edition of Rhythm Unplugged was hosted in Lagos and featured the American Musician, Trey Songz, as the headline act.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/events/pepsi-rhythm-unplugged-trey-songz-set-to-bring-sexy-back-at-2015-edition/80yh1nl|title=Trey Songz set to bring sexy back at 2015 Edition|date=2015-11-10|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}}
Seyi Shay, Falz, Olamide, Omawumi, Kiss Daniel, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Koker, DJ Obi, DJ Exclusive, and Cobhams performed at the 2016 edition of Rhythm Unplugged held in Lagos.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pulse.ng/pepsi-rhythm-unplugged-2016-wizkid-olamide-psquare-light-up-lagos-with-mega/ks11g1n|title=Wizkid, Olamide, Psquare light up Lagos with mega performances|date=2016-12-24|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}}
In 2017 Rhythm Unplugged was held as part of a two-day Music and Comedy festival.{{Cite web|url=https://businessday.ng/life-arts/article/flytime-promotions-announces-2017-pepsi-rhythm-unplugged-artist-line-wizkid-concert/|title=Flytime Promotions Announces 2017 Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged Artist Line-Up and Wizkid: The Concert|website=businessday.ng|access-date=2020-01-25}} The first day of the concert hosted the Rhythm Unplugged Concert, which featured performances by Big Shaq, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Simi, Runtown, Olamide, Ycee, Niniola, Small Doctor, Mayokun, 9ice, Nonso Amadi.
The second day of the concert hosted Wizkid The Concert.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/wizkid-starboys-homecoming-lagos-concert-is-the-best-christmas-gift-ever-review/xk00m4z|title=Starboy's homecoming Lagos concert is the best Christmas gift, ever! [Review]|date=2017-12-25|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}} Davido made an appearance during this concert and, for the first time, Davido and Wizkid performed together. By sharing a stage, the two artists signaled an end to a year-long feud.
The 2018 edition of Rhythm Unplugged was held as part of a three-day long music festival names Flytime Festival. Rhythm Unplugged was featured on the first day of the festival, and was headlined by Davido, Tiwa Savage, D'Banj, Burna Boy, Duncan Mighty and DJ Cuppy.
The 2019 edition of Rhythm Unplugged was a toast to the 15th year Anniversary of outstanding and exceptional concert by Flytime.{{Cite web|date=2019-12-12|title=Flytime promotions unveils star-studded artist lineup for pepsi rhythm unplugged 2019|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/12/flytime-promotions-unveils-star-studded-artist-lineup-for-pepsi-rhythm-unplugged-2019/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}} It was the opening day of a five-day concert held by Flytime Promotions and featured performances by various musical artists and DJs. Some of the artists in attendance included Olamide, MI, Ycee, Patoranking, Mayorkun, Teni, Zlatan, Joeboy, Fireboy, B Red, Tolani, Jeff Akoh, Oluwadamilola, DJ Neptune, DJ Consequence, DJ Obi, DJ Cuppy and many others as Burna Boy starts the show on the 20. The venue remained Eko-Convention center, Victoria Island. Lagos.{{Cite web|date=2019-10-26|title=Hammond… Celebrating 15 years of Rhythm Unplugged|url=https://guardian.ng/life/music/hammond-celebrating-15-years-of-rhythm-unplugged/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2019-12-12|title=Flytime promotions unveils star-studded artist lineup for pepsi rhythm unplugged 2019|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/12/flytime-promotions-unveils-star-studded-artist-lineup-for-pepsi-rhythm-unplugged-2019/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}
The 2020 edition did not take place due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The 2022 edition of Rhythm Unplugged took place on December 21 at Eko Convention Center, and it was a collaboration between Flytime Promotions and Pepsi. An event featuring a slew of artists. Craig David, a 41-year-old British singer-songwriter, joined Wande Coal, Reekado Banks, Fave, Pheelz, BNXN, Zinoleesky, and others on stage.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-25 |title=5 Epic Moments At The Flytime Fest 2022 |url=https://africanfolder.com/5-epic-moments-at-the-flytime-fest-2022/ |access-date=2022-12-26 |website=African Folder |language=en-US}}
The 2023 edition of Rhythm Unplugged took place on December 21, 2023, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. The event was headlined by American rapper Roddy Ricch and featured performances from Nigerian artists such as Fireboy DML, Iyanya, Ajebo Hustlers, BNXN, Fave, Mayorkun, Spyro, Wurld, Bloody Civilian, Blaqbonez, Raybekah, Seyi Vibez, Shallipopi, Smada, and Victony. Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage also made an appearance during the event.
The 2024 edition of Rhythm Unplugged, marking its 20th anniversary, took place on December 22 at the Eko Convention Center. The concert was headlined by American rapper Gunna, performing live in Africa for the first time. South African singer Tyla joined Gunna on stage for a performance of their song Jump. Other performers included Nigerian artists Ayo Maff, Burna Boy, BNXN, Choc Boiz, D'Banj, Fireboy DML, Shallipopi, Qing Madi, and Zerry DL.{{Cite web|date=2024-12-26|title=Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged 2024: A Celebration of Africa’s Musical Brilliance|url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/12/26/coca-cola-rhythm-unplugged-2024-a-celebration-of-africas-musical-brilliance/|access-date=2024-12-26|website=Daily Post Nigeria|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2024-12-29|title=Gunna, D’Banj, Others Ignite Stage at Coca-Cola’s 2024 Rhythm Unplugged Festival|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/12/29/gunna-dbanj-others-ignite-stage-at-coca-colas-2024-rhythm-unplugged-festival/|access-date=2025-05-01|website=ThisDay Newspaper|language=en-US}}
The 2025 edition is scheduled to take place December 21, 2025