Africa’s number one contemporary vocal ensemble, LOUD Urban Choir, marked its monumental sixth anniversary by hosting the highly anticipated, sold-out concert, Living Loud, on Friday, October 10, 2025. Held at the iconic Terra Kulture Theatre in Victoria Island, the 15-member collective performed to a full house of over 800 guests, delivering a show that definitively redefined the scale of live African choral artistry.
The setlist was a dynamic journey, rooted in rich choral interpretations of modern Afrobeats and contemporary sounds. The ensemble thrilled the audience with show-stopping arrangements of throwback classics from the 90s and early 2000s, including P-Square’s “Busy Body,” Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie,” Davido’s “Aye,” Sean Paul’s “Get Busy,”and Shaggy’s “It Wasn’t Me,” among many others. This segment instantly created a wave of nostalgic euphoria, with the audience energetically screaming and singing back the lyrics in unison.
The show’s production was visually striking. Choreographed by Rave and theatre powerhouse Sisiano Paolo, the night opened magically with Karl Jenkins’ ‘Adiemus,’ featuring the ensemble in Jeff Urban-designed hooded cloaks and lanterns. Sisiano also styled the group, on a final, powerful look that portrayed African dynamism through rich brocade damask patterns.
Adding artistic depth, the choir performed their original song, “Somewhere,” released just weeks earlier in September. This moving piece took the audience on a reflective voyage through LOUD’s six-year history, prompting attendees to raise their phone lights in a powerful, shared moment of connection. The evening was a true showcase of individual excellence within the collective. Every member contributed to the group’s complex vocal power: Beekay, Cill, Angelika Belle, Funmi Arewa, Oluchi Odii, Jdess, Gee6ixx, Kelvin Demigod, Tobi Walker, IBQuake, Klech Africa, Chidinma Nebo, Pearl Agwu, Mmakamba, and Precious Emmanuel. Their compelling solos contributed to the group’s signature sound and earned resounding emotional applause.
The energy was further ignited by surprise appearances from celebrated Nigerian artists Timi Dakolo, Dotty The Deity, IB Quake and Zoro. Their unexpected collaborations with the choir were met with a thunderous swell of cheers that swept through the theatre.
Praised by Pulse Nigeria as a “triumphant showcase,” the seamless, sold-out event—facilitated by Tix Africa—unequivocally reinforced LOUD Urban Choir’s growing national influence and cemented Terra Kulture’s status as a vital hub for high-calibre African artistry.
In April, Dakolo described himself as a “church boy” who rarely misses Sunday service.
Dakolo, who spoke at a press briefing in Lagos on Friday, said his connection to the church and his belief in God remain central to his identity, both personally and artistically.
“I am a member of this church. This is my father’s house. Sometimes I wonder why I am like this. I will explain it in one phrase. When the Prodigal Son was coming home, did he ask him five steps? Did he even tell you about faith before you saw your father? It is my father’s house. I have always been a church boy,” Dakolo said.
