Legendary American R&B group, Shalamar, is set to thrill Nigerian fans with a special live concert on October 4, 2025, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The highly anticipated event, which coincides with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, is expected to draw music lovers from across the country for what promises to be a nostalgic celebration of funk, soul, and timeless classics.
The concert, promoted by iCreate Africa in partnership with First Culture Limited, will see the Grammy-winning trio—Howard Hewett, Carolyn Griffey, and Jeffrey Daniel—bring their iconic sound back to Nigeria more than four decades after their historic performances in Lagos, Ibadan, and Ife in the early 1980s.
For fans, this event represents not just a concert but a rare opportunity to relive the golden era of R&B and funk music.
With evergreen hits such as A Night to Remember, Friends, and I Can Make You Feel Good, Shalamar’s Abuja performance is designed to bridge generations and evoke both nostalgia and excitement.
Speaking on the significance of the show, Bright Jaja, Chief Executive Officer of iCreate Africa, described Shalamar’s decision to include Nigeria in their global tour as a “major cultural moment.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Shalamar to Abuja this Independence Weekend. Their decision to perform in Nigeria is not just an honour—it’s a long-overdue gift to a vibrant community of music lovers who have carried their legacy for decades,” Jaja said.
He added that the concert will particularly appeal to mature audiences who rarely find events curated specifically for their tastes.
Tickets are already available at outlets including Jabi Boat Club, El-Amin International School, House 43, and Istanbul Restaurant at Jabi Mall.
Similarly, Tunde Babalola, Creative Director of First Culture, said the event is about more than just music.
“This isn’t just a concert; it’s a gift to all generations. It’s a bridge between the past and the present, curated to evoke thrills, nostalgia, and goosebumps,” he noted.
In a video message to fans, group members expressed excitement about returning to Nigeria.
Jeffrey Daniel, who famously pioneered the “backslide” dance move later popularised by Michael Jackson as the moonwalk, said Nigerians should prepare for an unforgettable night.
“This show will truly be a night to remember,” Daniel declared.
Shalamar’s influence on global music extends beyond their soulful harmonies to their pioneering role in dance and pop culture.
Their introduction of body-popping to the UK in the late 1970s and 1980s left a lasting mark on the international music scene.
Formed in the late 1970s, Shalamar rose to international fame with a string of chart-topping hits and sold over 25 million records worldwide before the classic lineup split in the mid-1980s.
Despite lineup changes over the years, their music continues to resonate across generations, securing their place as one of the most influential R&B groups of all time.
Some of their best-loved tracks include Make That Move, Sweeter As the Days Go By, There It Is, and I Owe You One. Their songs, often played at weddings, parties, and retro events, remain staples for lovers of soul and funk.
This concert is not Shalamar’s first Nigerian appearance.
In January 1982, they performed at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos before embarking on university tours in Lagos, Ibadan, and Ife.
Their return in 2025 aligns with Nigeria’s landmark 65th Independence Anniversary, making the show both a cultural and symbolic celebration of unity through music.
For Abuja residents and visitors, the event is expected to boost the city’s entertainment economy, with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife spots preparing for increased patronage.
Tourism experts also note that concerts of this magnitude contribute to Nigeria’s positioning as a key destination for global music acts.
As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, Shalamar’s live performance will remind audiences of the power of music to connect generations and cultures.
Whether for long-time fans of their 1980s classics or younger audiences discovering their sound for the first time, the concert promises an unforgettable evening.
With the combination of nostalgia, soul-stirring music, and the symbolic timing of Independence Day, October 4 in Abuja is shaping up to be a milestone night in Nigeria’s entertainment calendar.