There is no doubt about the truth that social networks has actually altered the scope of human interactions. These days, numerous fans can interact with their favourite celebs on various social networks platforms but some years back, that was not possible.

Beyond seeing stars on tv screens and at occasions, there were some areas, particularly in Lagos, where fans might be sure of facing entertainers. Merrymakers takes a look at a few of those areas, a number of which have actually seen better days

Ojez Bar, National Stadium

Ojez Restaurant and Bar is a defunct hangout located in the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. It had a nightclub and bar where people went dancing and had drinks. It also provided international and local foods.

It was a place where one made certain to face Nollywood stars and other performers. It also offered up-and-coming stars the opportunity to meet veterans and A-list actors, and seal offers, along with develop lucrative relationships.

Arena Hotel

Located on Oyerokun Street in Surulere, Lagos, the hotel which is simply a few minutes’ drive from the National Stadium was owned by the late highlife musician, Victor Olaiya.

The hotel utilized to be among the most popular locations for people to have fun in Lagos, and celebs were not excluded of the enjoyable.

Many years back, Olaiya, accompanied by his International All-Stars Orchestra, used to excitement stars and other guests at the Papingo Night Club in the hotel every Saturday.

It was likewise a place where lots of stars got their first gigs in the movie industry.

The hotel is still in existence however it is no longer the melting pot for entertainers and their fans that it as soon as was.

Winis Hotel and Bar

Located in Surulere, Lagos, Winis Hotel and Bar utilized to be a growing center for motion picture stars. It is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the National Stadium and less than 20 minutes drive from the National Theatre, Iganmu.

Some years earlier, Winis used to be the preferred hangout for stars. Many auditions and casting calls held there, and any wannabe actor that often visited the location was likely to be identified by one producer or the other. Up-and-coming stars were understood to always check out the location back in the day to get mentorship and tutelage in the art of acting from veteran movie stars. Lots of actors have also spoken about how they got their first shot at acting at Winis many years earlier.

National Theatre

The National Theatre located at Iganmu, Lagos, used to be a standard area where stars, starlets and movie crews used to satisfy to practice, do auditions, and groom newbies. The location utilized to host open casting occasions, with individuals interested in acting always pertaining to showcase their talents and skills.

It likewise provided people the opportunity to meet and engage with actors.

Feminar Café

Feminar Café, located within the premises of the Lagos Television, Agidingbi, utilized to be a joint where people that mattered in the home entertainment and media industries retired to after work.

It was one of those areas where performers typically hung out, with reporters always present aiming to get interviews and scoops. It was likewise a location where individuals who were interested in becoming movie stars visited to consult with veteran stars. It lacks a doubt that many individuals ended up being celebs based upon the relationships they were able to create at Feminar.

Niteshift Coliseum

The Niteshift Coliseum was opened in 1988 as the NiteShift Club along Opebi Road, Ikeja, Lagos. The club served as a conference point for specialists, entrepreneurs and opinion leaders, along with a place where an unique class of Nigerians and foreigners might relax, go over and have uninhibited enjoyable.

At a point, the club came to be considered one of the leading entertainment centres in Nigeria. The high end occasion location moved to its long-term site on February 2, 1999, and it ran there successfully till December 18, 2003, when the arena (club flooring) was taken down by fire.

Reconstruction and rehab work on the redesigned Coliseum started in January 2004, and it was officially reopened on August 5, 2005. The Coliseum comprises The Baby Coliseum (security tower), The Summit (multi-purpose conference/banquet hall), The Arena (club floor) and The Dacha(a 12-room bed and breakfast guest lodge).

Stressing its exclusivity, the founder, Ken Olumese, widely referred to as the G’uvnor, had in a 2017 interview with City People Magazine, mentioned the club was not suggested for everybody. He said, “It was for a gifted few and I had that audience for 25 years. The audience was (for) the very accountable, not only middle class however the audience that would normally not go to clubs. I had governors (such as Gbenga Daniel, a previous Ogun State guv; and Uzor Kalu, a former Abia State governor) as members of the club. I chose my audience. Subscription was never ever purchased; I only provided it to people who were deserving of it.”

Needless to say, in its prime time, the Niteshift Coliseum was a melting pot for performers, their fans and other members of society, especially the elite.

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Source: The PUNCH

ToriNG