The Lagos night air, thick with the season's harmattan breeze, carried more than just the festive Detty December spirit on Tuesday, December 16. Inside the Hard Rock Cafe in Oniru, it was heavy with history and heartfelt emotion as veteran rapper Naeto C made a triumphant return to the stage with his headline concert, 'RETROSPECTIVE'.
A Defining Moment of Gratitude
The concert, which felt like a long-awaited re-coronation of one of Nigeria's most influential rappers, reached its emotional peak with a surprise appearance from global Afrobeats superstar, Davido. The atmosphere shifted palpably as Davido walked out, leading to an instant chemistry that ignited the stage.
Together, they performed 'Back When', the 2011 smash hit that served as Davido's debut single. The performance was a full-circle moment, revisiting the track where a then-budding Davido featured the already-established 'Ten Over Ten' hitmaker.
Following the song, Davido, a 2026 Grammy nominee, seized the moment for a sincere tribute. "First of all, I want to say Naeto, I love you so much," he began. "I've been loving you for almost 20 years. You were the first successful artist to give me a chance, and I love you for that." The confession was met with roaring approval from the crowd, culminating in a lengthy, warm embrace between the two artists that underscored a pivotal mentorship often lost in today's fast-paced music narrative.
A Masterclass in Timeless Hits
Beyond the poignant tribute, the 'RETROSPECTIVE' show served as a powerful reminder of Naeto C's extensive and influential catalogue. The veteran artist delivered a setlist that was essentially a greatest hits compilation from the golden era of Nigerian hip-hop.
He took the audience on a nostalgic journey, performing iconic tracks like 'Kini Big Deal', 'Tony Montana', and the ever-popular 'Ten Over Ten'. He also revisited his 2011 collaboration with Așa, 'Share My Blessings', and delivered deep cuts from his acclaimed albums 'You Know My P' and 'Super C Season'.
The concert was further amplified by special guest appearances that read like a who's who of Nigerian hip-hop and contemporary music. The stage saw cameos from the legendary M.I. Abaga, hitmaker Phyno, and veterans like Ajebutter 22, Boj, and Ikechukwu, transforming the night into a celebratory trip down memory lane.
Class is Indeed Permanent
As fans eventually spilled out of the venue into the Oniru night, the consensus was unanimous: Naeto C has not lost a step. In a music industry that frequently overlooks its pioneers, the 'RETROSPECTIVE' concert stood as a defiant statement of enduring relevance and artistic permanence.
The event proved that while Naeto C may have stepped back from active music production, his legacy is very much alive. His music continues to move audiences and holds a rich history that documents the glorious peak of Nigerian hip-hop. The night in Lagos was a powerful testament to a simple truth: with artists like Naeto C, class is truly permanent, thanks to a catalog of music built to last for generations.
