Wizard Chan is a type of artists you flip to whenever you crave one thing deeper. That is what you get from a mix of Afro-Teme, reggae, hip-hop, Afropop, and soul rooted deeply in his Nigerian heritage. I had all the time revered his work, however I’d by no means seen him stay till Tuesday evening, September 30, 2025.
From the ticketing chaos to the infinite string of upcoming acts, to the second the masquerade took over the stage, the evening was an expertise value unraveling. And judging by what followers have been saying on-line, I wasn’t the one one who left feeling like I’d witnessed one thing uncommon.
Arrival and First Impressions
From my expertise with Lagos occasions, I knew I needed to present up a number of hours later than the publicised time. I joined the queue to substantiate my title on a visitor listing. The method was sluggish, handbook, and irritating.
As soon as previous safety, I entered a corridor break up into two ranges: a reserved downstairs seating space and a gallery upstairs. Some folks with out desk reservations stood on the edges of the ground, making an attempt to catch a greater view.
The house was intimate, with the stage centrally positioned and ambient lighting casting shadows. The hum of company, music trade of us, and followers blended within the air, and the power bristled.
Supporting Acts: Setting the Tone a Little Too A lot
Earlier than Wizard Chan, there have been a number of opening acts, an infinite string of them. I counted 4 feminine performers whose units impressed me with sturdy vocals, stage presence, and originality. Every act appeared to construct anticipation moderately than overshadow the headline. Some had been soulful, some energetic, however every act was a spark within the buildup.
Nevertheless, the wait stretched regardless of the variability, and the viewers grew to become stressed.
Let The Spirit (Wizard Chan) Take Over
After roughly three hours of ready, Wizard Chan made his entrance round 11 PM together with his band. However the present didn’t start till previous midnight because the supporting acts continued taking turns to carry out, permitting stress and expectation to construct. The second he stepped on stage, the room shifted. You would really feel that non secular cost.
He opened with “In My Defence” from his newest album, Healers Chapel.
Then, he journeyed by way of fan favourites like “Oliver”, “Huge Masquerade (Opu Owu)”, and “Amen (God My Supplier)”. The spotlight: his masquerade second, the place a dancing masquerade determine moved among the many crowd. It felt ritualistic, deeply cultural. The set lasted about 1 hour and half-hour.
Each music carried weight. The group usually swayed, their eyes closed, fingers raised, as if in a chant. I wasn’t disregarded of those moments. This wasn’t only a efficiency; it was communion.
It was additionally beautiful to see a few of his trade mates (Joeboy, Laycon, Dandizzy, Llona) come out to assist him.
In the identical home with Joeboy , wizard Chan , Llona , dandizzy 😭rn
— Cgee (@cgeehere) October 1, 2025
Organisational Strengths and Weaknesses
What labored?
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The corridor’s format, lighting design, and proximity of the stage to the viewers ensured that everybody might absolutely really feel the expertise.
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The lineup, particularly the feminine acts, felt sufficient moderately than filler.
What didn’t?
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The visitor listing verification was inefficient.
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The delay earlier than Wizard Chan’s set was lengthy. Some attendees with out reservations had been left standing too lengthy.
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Moreover, ticketing particulars and communication had been inconsistent.
Do I Wish to See a Wizard Chan Dwell Efficiency Once more?
Sure and within the entrance row. That evening wasn’t only a live performance; it was a press release. Wizard Chan’s fusion of genres, his non secular leanings, and his connection together with his viewers revealed an artist unafraid to disregard tendencies. Nevertheless, it additionally highlighted how occasions in Lagos proceed to battle with logistics.
If organisers study and refine, performances like these might change into smoother, extra respectful to each artist and viewers. As for me, I left feeling that I had witnessed one thing uncommon: a musical altar the place artistry, tradition, and viewers linked.
What Others Suppose
It wasn’t simply me who felt the evening was particular. The ambiance at Laborious Rock Café carried an power you couldn’t ignore, and followers wasted no time sharing their experiences on-line. From clips of the masquerade second to unfiltered takes on the lengthy wait earlier than Wizard Chan got here on stage, social media was buzzing with reactions.
Listed below are some posts that captured the spirit of the evening:
I had a good time at WIZARD CHAN’s live performance yesterday 😍.
I’m from rivers and I’ve to symbolize 👌 pic.twitter.com/hBvOMN385K— BMO🎨🎭 (@oby_kinika) October 1, 2025
Went to Wizard Chan’s stay efficiency for the primary time pic.twitter.com/n4lObAKlz4
— Onahi Ijeh (@shee_nahi) October 1, 2025
We efficiently introduced the Niger Delta to the West final evening ❤️🩹 Thanks all. What a time!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/4ZaWAF3Muq
— Saint Wizard Chan (@_WizardChan_) October 1, 2025
In the identical home with Joeboy , wizard Chan , Llona , dandizzy 😭rn
— Cgee (@cgeehere) October 1, 2025
Seeing Wizard Chan performing takes me again to church fr.
— Uty Chris (@utychrisy) September 30, 2025
