Rocktoberfest 2017: Rock music festival treats Lagos to a unique kind of culture

Rocktoberfest 2017 reached a stronger tempo this year due to an intense push by Rock & Alternative musicians.

Where else will you find a bunch of rock fans with mop-top haircuts, Beatle boots, and a chosen gothic style of expression if not at Rocktoberfest, an annual rock music festival celebrating the genre?

The event had its third edition at the Freedom Park, Lagos, where hippies were treated to good music from the likes of Mavin Records' Johnny Drille, rock divas - Clay and Zainab Sule, the amazing 1 Last Autograph and many more.

 

On the ground of the festival celebrated all around the world, fans cheered in chorus as their favourite bands and even new ones roared over the heavy sound of an electric guitar giving them a sense of belonging especially when they can't relate to any other type of music.

It was a once in a season affair which often puts Nigerian rock music lovers in a deep level of anticipation.

The year 2017 in particular saw a Rock and Alternative genre that has grown in stature. One of its artistes, Johnny Drille had secured a record deal with Mavin Records and music lovers who naturally favour the mainstream brand of rhythm have started to hear a bit more about the sparsely patronized category.

 

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His performance, which came late into the night was splendid like most would have expected. It was the perfect reward for ardent fans who waited long hours just to watch him sing. A certain female attendee who was celebrating her birthday is most likely going to be the most touched.

Drille is however not the only flag bearer of the alternative sound.

 

Melodious singer Nathmac has also secured a nomination in the group of the "Best Artiste in African Rock" at the 2017 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) expected to hold in November. The singer was welcomed to a good reception as he joined new act, Celeste on stage as the latter introduced the show enthusiasts to a new jam, '1970'. What a delight to watch those two as they took turns to dish out amazing verses to the audience.

Abuja based Zainab Sule who was on a media tour in Lagos to promote her "Hypersonic" album released earlier in the year 2017, also came through with some inspiring songs that will no doubt prove pivotal in improving her popularity.

 

Clay, one of the major performers at the event thrilled the crowd in an Adele kind of way with her soulful rendition. She reminded fans who have questioned her dedication to sticking to a brand of rock to why they loved her in the first place.

For the singer, who told Pulse News in an exclusive interview in October, it was all about sticking to the new trends and her fans must respect that.