From Lagos dumpsite to centre stage at London's IndigO2

If Vocal Slender aka Eric Obuh never believed that dreams come true, I am sure he would shout it to anyone who cares to hear, that dreams do come true. This time last year, 28-year-old Eric Obuh was working as a scavenger on a dump site in Lagos, Nigeria. He hoped his meagre wage would one-day amount to enough to fund his dreams of becoming a music star, but he was a long way off his target.

But a chance appearance on BBC documentary ‘Welcome to Lagos’ landed the aspiring musician a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at the world’s number one music venue. Later this month Obuh will perform at London’s IndigO2 for the CokoBar music festival. The show will celebrate the rise of the African music industry. 

“I’m looking forward to performing alongside other fellow Nigerian artists such as Wande Coal and Bracket,” the rapper told the Voice-Online. Nigerian rap sensations Wande Coal and Terry G will also appear on the impressive bill at the venue frequented by global pop stars, Prince, 50 Cent and Usher. 

Representatives for Vocal Slender, who has since been issued with his first passport for the upcoming concert, said that he was both ‘excited’ and ‘humbled’ by the experience. 

“Vocal Slender is the main act as the public are eager to see him perform live in the UK amongst a variety of other well-known Nigerian artists. He will be flying to London in two weeks and while he is there he will also be shooting his first music video” said one representative.

The CokoBar music festival is at the IndigO2 on May 31 from 7pm

For tickets, visit: www.theo2.co.uk/indigo2 or www.ticketmaster.co.uk