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Around that time, a young and energetic promoter from Lagos, Chris Okolie, came up to Kaduna with an idea — to take “The Expensives” beyond Northern Nigeria and introduce us to new audiences. For us, it was a big step. We were young, eager, and ready to see what the road had in store.
Our first stop was Kainji Dam, the growing community around that massive project by the River Niger. Workers and their families gathered for the show, and the response surprised us. The crowd didn’t just listen — they connected immediately. That night gave us confidence that our music could travel.
From there we moved to Bacita Sugar Company, another lively industrial town. Once again, the reception was warm and energetic. Each performance was teaching us something new about audiences outside our usual circuit.
Next was Ilorin, a symbolic stop — almost a bridge between the North and the South. You could feel the cultural shift as we travelled further. For many of us, it felt like entering a wider musical world.
Then came Lagos.
Lagos was on a completely different level — bigger crowds, louder expectations, brighter lights. We performed alongside notable bands such as Soul Assembly, The Attractions, and The Clusters (with Laolu Akins on drums). It was a serious stage, but we held our own. That night, “The Expensives” proved we belonged there.
The journey continued to Warri and Sapele in the Midwest. Those towns had deep musical energy, and the audiences responded strongly to live band music. Every show felt like a shared experience between band and crowd.
Before returning home, we went back to Lagos for two encore concerts. By then, we were no longer newcomers — we were a band growing in confidence and identity.
Looking back now, those shows were more than performances. They were the beginning of our journey into the wider Nigerian music scene — five young men discovering how far music could take them.
“The Expensives” were:
Pat Natson — Leader, Lead Guitar
George Rannoe — Lead Vocals
Cherry Manuel (Emma Ogosi) — Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Gan Sal — Bass Guitar
Sam Mod — Drums
Those trips changed us. And for those who were there, the memories still live on.
Our Reporter
