By Chinonso Ihekire
When two humans swim in the ocean of soul-swaying lyrics so deep, then words like Johnny Drille’s would ring bells not in Birmingham alone, but in London, and to the ends of the earth. He writes, “You write a song hoping it finds a home. Last night, it found hers. She sang, she cried and I felt every second of it with her.” Not with her alone, because Johnny Drille’s ‘Johnny’s Room Live in Concert’ at Secret Space, Birmingham, UK, didn’t keep the secrets of those that attended. This concert let it all out.
John Ighodaro, popularly known by his stage name Johnny Drille, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, producer, and soulful creative who weaves strands of Afrofusion, RnB, and Soul together. On the 26th of April, 2025, Johnny Drille did not only thrill the listeners, but like a healer, cast his lyrical spells on their souls. It could be seen in the smoke, lights, and raves, all being tossed away.
In its truss-style structure, built with exposed steel beams, stretched hands, pristine phones, cameras, cheers, elatedness, and mixed emotions, the Secret Space welcomed Johnny Drille. Amidst all, he happily sauntered in, dressed in casual black shorts and a T-shirt. With Johnny Drille’s appearance, one could only remember his rustic, romantic, and pastoral style which whispers simplicity, authenticity, and a heart-to-heart connection with his audience.
Johnny Drille performed many of his songs, and even some extras, which felt celestial. On that stage, again, Johnny Drille told his love story and whispered his reassurances to his lover in “Believe Me.” Lyrically, and not in a rhetorical question, he asked his friends (audience), “How Are You, My Friend?” He reminded them, while they reminded themselves and the loved ones they came with, of warmth, comfort, and continued friendship. Among his songs was also “Count on You.” Here, Johnny Drille again assured trust and reliability; similar themes also found in “Anyway” featuring Don Jazzy.
Johnny Drille threw it all back to the ’90s where he sang the popular and classic pop anthem by the Backstreet Boys, “I Want it That Way.” It is Johnny, and with his aura, voice, and magic, he turned back the hands of time. Among other songs, all would not have been perfect without Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” Johnny Drille professed love that is undying in a gentle harmony, transcending the nooks and crannies of castles built with words. The audience sang word for word all the songs, letting no lyrics out like cats in a bag.
One enduring hallmark of the night remains the crisp and sophisticated sound at the venue. Isi Bhaks who was the visual director, contributed to the production of the live concert. Ensured each performance was unique enough in its settings delivery an unforgettable experience.
At Secret Space, Birmingham, the crowd was alive, boisterous like the brave smoke. Their faces glowed under the slow-dancing headlights, and the searchlight found their souls, easy for Johnny to heal. Their eyes, under the swirling smoke, again looked like the glimmer of fireflies. Johnny Drille did not only have a concert in Birmingham; he created a moment so surreal, filled with stories told in songs, promises made in lyrics, and time cherished by all present.
Founded in 2022 by Rotimi Akinkuade, Timmy Pharell Entertainment has become a major name in UK nightlife, bringing numerous Nigerian stars to stages across Wolverhampton and Birmingham. It is etched on this great company’s name as the movement that made headlines with Johnny Drille’s Birmingham concert on the 26th of April, 2025, which further cements its role in showcasing African and urban music to UK audiences.
On April 26, 2025, Johnny’s room live concert lit up Secret Space, Birmingham, with a soulful concert filled with love, nostalgia, and sing-along moments. From his hits to timeless covers, the night felt intimate and unforgettable. Hosted by Timmy Pharell Entertainment, founded by the phenomenal Rotimi Akinkuade, the show highlighted the company’s rising influences in the UK, and adds to the prestige it is accorded.
Leave a Reply