Babayaro Brings The Best Of Both Worlds To Abuja.
Erstwhile Nigerian international goalkeeper, Emmanuel Babayaro, is set for the launch of his debut album in Abuja this weekend. On Sunday, September 19, 2010, the cream of the Nigerian politics, sports, public service etc, would gather to have their first listen to the works of the footballer turned musician and support him in an event organized by his record label, RECTITUDE RECORDS, at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.
The event would be chaired by Chief Rochas Okorocha and has the confirmed attendance of Professor Dora Akunyili and a number of other ministers and senators plus past and present members of the Super Eagles of Nigeria including Daniel Amokachi, Ben Iroha, Mobi Oparaku, Osaze Odemwingie, Samson Siasia and, of course, his brother Celestine Babayaro. Performances would be by Cobhams Asuquo, Paul Play, Sound Sultan, label mates, 1924, Emmanuel himself and many more.
Emmanuel's album entitled BEST OF BOTH WORLDS contains rap, jazz and Hip Hop numbers. It was produced by Cobhams, ID Cabasa, Frenzy and Lalah and has collabos with Cobmans, 1924 and Obyrymz. Listening parties have already been held in Kaduna and Abuja on the 3rd and 4th of this month, respectively. Lagos would follow in October.
Emmanuel Babayaro was a member of the Gold medal Atlanta Olympic team in 1996. He graduated to the Super Eagles but made just a handful of appearances for them. He has been coaching at his youth academy in Abuja since his retirement and return to the country. Speaking on the album and his music, he stated that his parents actually thought he would have a career in music instead of sports. “I have been an entertainer since childhood and during my football years I used to sing and dance to entertain my team mates. I and Celestine were the major entertainers in the national teams when we played. I have always had the dream of taking my music serious after my playing career and I am ready now. I have brought a new dish to the Nigerian music menu and I look forward to really making it big on the Nigerian music scene,” he said.