It was fun all the way as Benin the ancient city of Edo state, hosted the Amstel Malta Showtime concert.

It was indeed an explosive affair as the duo of  Naeto C and Davido thrilled the Benin audience to a non stop excitement. Apart from the top range artistes lined up for the night, the event also had ace comedian Buchi thrilling the audience with hilarious jokes while ace dance group, Corpoate Dancers completed the outings. It was a night of fulfillment for the people of Edo state who held vigil for weeks in anticipation of the  show. For students of tertiary institutions within and outside the state, it was an event to look forward to.

Last year, when the activation conceived for students in tertiary institution kicked off, Benin was not amongst the cities where the events were held. This year’s edition saw the ancient city hosting the second leg of the event after the Port Harcourt leg earlier in June.

The students, made up mainly of students of University of Benin, Ambrose Ali University, and Federal Polytechnic Auchi as well as students from other tertiary institutions outside the state invaded the red carpet.

Expectation was high as the crowd eagerly looked forward to the performance of Davido and Naeto C, Buchi and others. But the students had to tarry awhile for their  favourite stars as the event kicked off with the talent hunt competition.

The talent hunt competition, which featured singing, dancing and comedy competitions, saw the three winners emerging from the University of Benin.

Victor Chidi Ebere a. k. a Vichy emerged winner in the singing category petite dancer Emuoborsan Orogun or Emi, as she is fondly called, became only the second female to win  in Amstel Malta Showtime after the 400 level Science/Lab Tech student  was adjudged the best in the dance category. Funny man Daniel Chibueze Madu, a 300 level medical student with the stage name MC Medical, completed the lineup of winners as he emerged the winner in the comedy category.

The winners got the sum of N500, 000 cash prize each,  a band new iPad as well as  an all-expense paid trip for  two  to Lagos. In addition to their exciting prizes, the winners also had the unique opportunity of performing alongside the established acts on the night.

The first and second runners-up in each category were also rewarded with consolation prizes of N150, 000 and N100, 000 respectively.

As the main show began proper, it was comedian Buchi who stepped up to ease tension with his rib cracking jokes. He was soon joined on stage by MC Medical as they combined to send the audience reeling with laughter.

Soon the crowd had a change of taste when Davido and retinue of backup singers that included Shina Rambo stormed the stage with Dami Duro, Ekuro and Back In The Days.

When Davido finally exited the scene for Naeto C, the audience could not hold back anymore as they exited their seats to the dance floor. All too soon, the night came to an end, and Davido and Naeto C were joined on stage by the other performers along with all the contestants in the hunt competition.

Speaking on the event, Adedoyin Owotomo, Brand Manager, Amstel Malta-Nigerian Breweries Plc., stated that the Amstel Malta Showtime was conceived to give a platform for students of tertiary to express themselves. “Amstel Malta is all about being the best that you can be and that was why we came up with Amstel Malta Showtime. It is just a platform for youths, especially students of tertiary to express themselves. Then they also the rare opportunity to interact with established superstars also,” she stated.

Amstel Malta Showtime, Benin is the second leg of this year’s edition after the first leg took place in Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State. Up next is Ibadan where Tiwa Sawage and 9ice will be the main acts to perform on August 31. The event will also feature talent hunt competition amongst students of different competitions.