African rhythm took centre stage in Lagos as LOUD Urban Choir headlined its Afro Holiday Showcase at Eko Hotel on 22 December 2025, delivering a festive production that fused tradition, urban sound, and cultural expression into a compelling live experience.
The showcase positioned African music at the heart of Christmas celebration, drawing strong audience engagement and affirming the continent’s evolving approach to festive performance.
Produced under the creative direction of Ann Obaseki in collaboration with the Talentville Africa team, the event unfolded as a carefully curated cultural presentation rather than a conventional concert.
Choral excellence was layered with indigenous rhythms, contemporary harmonies, fashion elements, and theatrical staging, creating a performance that balanced emotional depth with technical precision.
At the core of the showcase was a bold reinterpretation of festive music. The choir blended Afrobeats, gospel, highlife, and soul into a unified Afro Urban soundscape, supported by live instrumentation and dynamic vocal arrangements.
According to the choir’s creative director, the intention was to present Christmas through a distinctly African perspective that remained globally resonant.
“We made Christmas louder, brighter, and more joyful by blending African drums with global sounds. It was more than a concert. It was a cultural moment, and our story was told through our melody,” they said.
Since its inception, LOUD Urban Choir has remained committed to reshaping choral music by delivering modern performance experiences rooted in African identity.
This edition of the Afro Holiday Showcase marked a clear evolution of that mission. The music director noted that the production brought together a skilled ensemble of vocalists, instrumentalists, and creative professionals whose collaboration elevated the showcase beyond entertainment. Purposeful use of lighting, stage transitions, and theatrical pauses strengthened audience connection throughout the performance.
Audience response reflected strong appreciation for the artistic clarity and cultural confidence displayed on stage. Applause followed multiple segments, with standing ovations marking moments of heightened emotional impact.
Attendees described the experience as a celebration of joy, resilience, and unity, expressed through African storytelling. Chant sequences, indigenous drum patterns, and vibrant stage design reinforced themes of heritage and collective identity.
The showcase also featured guest performers and emerging talents, whose contributions added depth and variety to the production.
Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit shaping the Afro Urban movement and highlighted the platform’s role in supporting creative growth.
Following the success of the event, the choir’s vocal director confirmed plans to extend the impact beyond live performance. Proposed initiatives include community engagement programs and youth development efforts aimed at nurturing future performers and expanding access to creative expression.
As post-event reflections continue, guests have spoken of the lasting emotional resonance of the showcase, with many describing it as a moment that reaffirmed pride in African traditions while presenting them in a contemporary, globally relevant format.
Industry observers have also noted increasing interest in the LOUD performance model, with early conversations already underway around future collaborations and international appearances.
With this showcase, LOUD Urban Choir delivered a defining festive moment and set a new benchmark for Afro Urban Christmas celebrations across Africa.
