At exactly 11:45 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2025, the final note rang out, and the spotlight dimmed—marking the close of an electrifying night that could only be described as legendary. Sauti Sessions with Segun Johnson wasn’t just a concert; it was a cultural spectacle, an immersive celebration, and an unforgettable ode to the magic of Lagos nightlife—right in the heart of Kingston Upon Hull.
The energy was palpable from the moment the doors opened at 3:38 PM. The ever-vibrant Idan Vibes Band kicked things off, serenading early guests as a steady flow of elegantly dressed attendees entered the transformed Princes Quay Events Space.
Each guest was welcomed with curated elegance — the experience began at the beautifully styled photo wall, an immersive creation by FSA Events and Decor (fsa_event_decor), where friends, families, and fashion lovers paused to capture the moment.
As guests moved into the main hall, they were greeted by a warm, ambient space transformed into a cultural sanctuary. The tables, adorned with vibrant fabrics and tasteful Afrocentric accents, showcased FSA’s signature eye for detail. It was thoughtful, refined — a celebration of tradition reimagined through contemporary design.
Segun Johnson singled out Otunba Edward Ogunkoya, in a flurry of live praise, hailing Ariya Bradford and its trailblazing spirit. Otunba and his entourage responded the only way true Owambe royalty would — by spraying crisp dollar notes with infectious energy, turning the moment into one of the night’s most unforgettable highlights.
Just beside the entrance, the Spiral Photo Booth by CircleVue (@circlevue) brought a playful, interactive element to the evening. With boomerangs, slow-motion spins, and joyous snapshots, the booth captured the energy and anticipation of the night in motion. It became a hub of laughter and creativity, where guests made lasting memories before the music even began.
To complete the visual storytelling, GNATION Nigeria (@gnationofficial) generously donated a set of regal, perfectly tailored Agbada garments, offering a taste of Yoruba royalty and adding an unmistakable flair to the venue. From the moment guests walked in, it was clear: this wasn’t just another Sunday in Hull — this was a masterclass in cultural elegance, celebration, and pride.
The sweet, nostalgic aroma of jollof rice, asun, ewa agoyin, and small chops teased guests from food stands by The Spoonhand (thespoonhand), Èwàmàse (ewamase), and Lattos Bites (lattosbites). As plates were filled and glasses raised, guests found themselves surrounded by the warmth, vibrance, and unmistakable flavour of home.
Then came the laughter.
Omoluabi took the stage, charming the crowd with his sharp wit and hilarious takes on the Naija japa phenomenon. He set the tone for a night rich in humour and heart with support from the Idan Vibes band.
Enter Segun “Lafup” Ogundipe — MC, comic maestro, and “The Laf of D Party”. With his signature flair and magnetic stage presence, Lafup effortlessly became the heartbeat of the evening. Moving from table to table, he engaged guests with razor-sharp wit, heartfelt praise, and spontaneous banter that kept the entire room in stitches. But it wasn’t just jokes — it was experience.
Teaming up with DJ Nas B, the duo delivered an unforgettable round of musical games that had guests on their feet, dancing, guessing, and laughing in turn. Lafup would cue a nostalgic track, toss out a challenge or mimic a dance move, and in perfect sync, DJ Nas B would drop the beat — whether it was Highlife, Afrobeats, or an unexpected classic, he had the crowd reacting with joy and surprise every single time. Their synergy elevated the atmosphere, turning playful segments into showstopping moments. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a celebration of community, culture, and creativity in full swing.
The surprises didn’t stop there. In the middle of the festivities, we were honoured by the presence of Hull City Council’s own Councillor, Mike Ross. With genuine admiration, he took the mic to express his excitement about witnessing the vibrancy and joy of African celebration.
Then came a heartfelt interlude: Fágbèmí Ọ̀ṣìnúgà, founder of The Gidi Vibes™, shared the story behind the movement. He reminded guests of the vision—to create a premium platform for African creatives in the diaspora to shine, honour the talents we carry while juggling life abroad, and bring the pulse of Lasgidi to new cities. His rallying call: “If you have a gift, we’ll build you a stage.”
But nothing could prepare the crowd for what happened next.
In his usual cheeky fashion, Segun Johnson made a dramatic, mid-show entrance, interrupting Lafup with his iconic “Sho fine gan!”—and the room erupted. Tables were abandoned. Fans rushed forward. The vibe shifted instantly. This was the moment everyone had been waiting for.
What followed was a glorious explosion of praise-singing, dancing, and the unmistakable flutter of crisp dollar bills in the air — an atmosphere that could only be described as electric. Hull had never witnessed anything quite like it. The energy in the room shifted as the sounds of Segun Johnson’s live band swept over the crowd, and guests rose to their feet in joyful disbelief.
For many in attendance, it was a long-awaited dream come true. Guests such as Dr. Mrs Bukola Odetundun (bucandy91), Bukola Italumhe (bukolaitalumhe), Omoyeni (_adunolaa), Bimbo Olasope (@labims), Balogun Sunkanmi (susubalogun), Oluwatosin Osungade (@groovykeeky_) danced with pure delight, visibly moved by the authenticity of the moment. It was more than entertainment — it was memory-making. The joy was palpable as they showered Segun with appreciation, “spraying” him in true Nigerian fashion, while others eagerly queued for their chance to hear their names praised in Yoruba royalty style, amplified by drums and adlibs.
This was Òwàmbè in full effect — vibrant, unapologetic, and culturally rich — and for many, it was the first time they had ever experienced a true Naija party of this magnitude in Hull. From the music to the money-spraying, it was an affirmation of identity, belonging, and celebration. “Spray season” had officially arrived in Yorkshire. What followed was a glorious explosion of praise-singing, dancing, and the unmistakable flutter of crisp dollar bills in the air. Hull had never seen anything like it.
Unknown to many, the CEO of Ariya Restaurant & Lagos Lounge, Bradford, Otunba Edward Ogunkoya, made a surprise appearance on the night. Inspired by the remarkable strides of The Gidi Vibes™ team across Yorkshire — from hosting Basketmouth’s sold-out show to now bringing Segun Johnson to Hull — Otunba came through to lend his support in person. And his presence did not go unnoticed.
With his distinctive style, Segun Johnson singled him out in a flurry of live praise, hailing Ariya Bradford and its trailblazing spirit. Otunba and his entourage responded the only way true Owambe royalty would — by spraying crisp dollar notes with infectious energy, turning the moment into one of the night’s most unforgettable highlights. A style and spectacle never before witnessed in Hull.
The Essence of Òwàmbè in Hull
For those unfamiliar, Òwàmbè is the crown jewel of Yoruba social culture—lavish celebrations known for their coordinated aso-ebi, live music, dancing, endless food, and the iconic act of money spraying. But beyond the spectacle lies a more profound cultural meaning: a public display of joy, solidarity, love, and prestige. The rhythm of money hitting the floor isn’t vanity—it’s visual poetry, honouring celebrants and animating the moment.
In the serene city of Hull, we brought this tradition to life. Every song, every dance, and every spray of cash was a reminder of where we come from—and how far we have come.
Weeks after the show, guests continued to share highlights across social media, tagging The Gidi Vibes™, reliving what was easily one of the city’s most unforgettable nights.
Acknowledgements
We are overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who brought the magic to life. Sauti Sessions with Segun Johnson was more than a show — it was a cultural movement.
And it couldn’t have happened without you:
- To Segun Johnson, the heartbeat of the night — you didn’t just perform, you transported us. Thank you for raising the bar and giving Hull its grandest Òwàmbè yet.
- Princes Quay Events Space, thank you for providing a central, stunning venue that allowed us to dream big and deliver fully.
- FSA Events and Decor, you turned an empty hall into a cultural sanctuary. From the photo wall to the Afrocentric table styling, your decor gave the night its elegance, energy, and ambience. You didn’t just decorate a space — you created an experience.
- Revolve Entertainment, thank you for being a solid sound partner through this journey.
- Gnation Fashion, for the stylish cultural flair, including the agbadas that added a regal touch to our stage and visuals.
- House of Nas B, our in-house DJ, who kept the crowd on their feet and matched the pulse of the event beat for beat.
- MC Segun Lafup Ogundipe, the one and only Laf of the party, for bringing wit, heart, and spontaneity that made the entire room feel connected.
- The Idan Vibes Band, for opening the night with class and carrying us all through until the final ovation.
- Omoluabi, your humour and presence lit up the stage and set the perfect tone for what followed.
- The Yoruba Community Leaders in Hull, for your support, trust, and encouragement — you helped make this celebration truly communal.
- Our incredible vendors – Lattos Bites, Ewamase, and The Spoon Hand – for serving delicious, authentic dishes that turned the evening into a full sensory celebration.
- To our vibrant community of influencers: Dr. Mrs Bukola Odetundun (bucandy91), Bukola Italumhe (bukolaitalumhe), Omoyeni (_adunolaa), Bimbo Olasope (@labims), Balogun Sunkanmi (susubalogun), Oluwatosin Osungade (@groovykeeky_) . Your content, energy, and voices helped us amplify this moment far beyond the venue walls.
- Nchi of Nile Productions for capturing the magic with soul and precision.
- to Aliu Kehinde, thank you for showing up, rolling up your sleeves, and helping us document an unforgettable night.
And most importantly, to everyone who came, danced, laughed, celebrated, and stayed with us from 4PM till 11:30PM — you made it everything we imagined and more.
We see you. We appreciate you. We build together.
What’s Next?
Sauti Sessions with Segun Johnson has set a new bar — not just for Hull, but for diaspora entertainment in the UK. It showed what’s possible when art, culture, community, and belief in an idea come together.
If you missed it, don’t worry — this is just the beginning. Follow us through the links below and stay tuned for more events, stories, and unforgettable cultural experiences. The Gidi Vibes™ is just getting started.
1 Comment
Mopol
This is absolutely astonishing. Mighty thumbs up and kudos to Gidi vibes. On behalf of IDAN vibes I say our partnership on this journey will know no bounds. These report is so fantastic that it captures all tit bit causing a mouth watering reaction for anyone who missed the sauti season. We go again bigger and better.
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