“I don dey wait for all of them, Dey don dey wait for me too” – Victony “Pray”
It’s past 9 PM, and the Landmark venue is empty.
The show was scheduled to start by 8 PM, but the band is still finalizing their sound check. Inside the venue, only the band, hosts, and event team remain. Outside, a small crowd waits patiently for the show to begin. My phone buzzes with messages from friends apologizing for their absence—Lagos traffic has been at a standstill.
It’s Detty December, the season when Lagos comes alive with celebration, but also when the city’s traffic becomes a nightmare. Today’s gridlock has persisted since noon.
“I’ve been stuck in traffic for 2 hours,” another friend tells me over the phone, we end the call with a reassuring “I dey come”. I wonder if the crowd will show up in full force tonight. And even if they do, will they sing along? Will they stay till the end?
In music, numbers often define importance, popularity, and relevance. Album sales, Instagram followers, Twitter interactions—these metrics are used to gauge an artist’s career trajectory. But tonight, the question is: How many eyes will be fixed on Victony when he steps onto the stage? The odds aren’t in his favor, not just because of Lagos traffic, but also because of the competing events happening on December 20th.
A few meters from the venue, the “Culture FM” party, “Italawa FC” party, and “Even In The Day” event are also in full swing in Victoria Island. Rumors swirl that Wizkid might appear at “Even In The Day” to support Skyla. With the hype surrounding Wizkid’s homecoming, there’s enough momentum to draw the entire city’s attention.
Victony has had a remarkable year, and closing it with “Bonfire Experience 2” would be the perfect prelude to 2025. But his event is wedged between these high-profile gatherings. Victony has always been an underdog in the music industry, quietly focusing on his craft and connecting with fans. His “Bonfire Experience” is no exception.
I spot Victony’s sister and manager, Cynthia, meticulously sorting out details and coordinating with the team. She signals for the doors to open, and the audience begins to pour in. I step outside to call my friends and breathe a sigh of relief when they confirm they’re close by.
Back inside, the hosts are hyping up the crowd. They announce Victony’s imminent arrival, and the venue erupts with excitement. The band showcases their skills, and the crowd roars when they recognize the “Risk” drums. As Victony takes the stage and launches into “Risk,” the hall fills with applause and screams.
You don’t truly grasp the depth of Victony’s discography until you witness him perform hit after hit. At one point, overwhelmed by the moment, he kneels briefly during “Many Men,” seemingly filled with gratitude as he reflects on his journey. The audience’s sing-along visibly moves him.
The live band elevates tracks like “Sunday School,” “Slow Down,” “Rosemary,” “History,” and “Anita” beyond playlist favorites. When a radio-friendly record doesn’t dominate the airwaves immediately, its true promise shines during a live performance. Victony, the band, and the background dancers deliver a show that leaves the crowd craving more.
Victony brings out a star-studded lineup: Odeal, Blaqbonez, BNXN, Qing Madi, and even OGs like Terry G, Bracket, and more.
The future exists because of the past, and sharing the stage with these legends evokes a wave of nostalgia.
By 4 AM, Victony’s energy remains unshaken. I expected fatigue to set in, but the crowd only cheers louder, matching his aura with theirs.
My friends and I reconnect, and they recount their ordeal with Lagos traffic. Seeing Victony live was on their bucket list, and they’re thrilled to have caught part of the action.
Witnessing this moment fills me with a sense of fulfilment, and I know I’m not alone.
Victony announced his #StubbornEuropeTour, kicking off on February 14th. If it’s anything like December 20th, fans are in for the best Valentine’s Day gift imaginable.
