Bull Ride, Other Games Colour Bafana Bafana
The fourth edition of Bafana Bafana was another landmark success, not just for the music and performances, but also for the variety of games that were on offer. Chinedu Aforonwa writes.
The first thing you see as soon as you step into the Eleko Beach, venue of this year’s Bafana Bafana party, is a bull. The bull’s huge menacing eyeballs looks very scary and you have to watch your steps as you got in. But in reality the big bull-like structure is not a live bull, it is actually a fun ride called rodeo. It was imported from Texas, USA and is built to give the same feeling as a live bull ride, a popular sport in Texas. Only that this time, the chance of being injured is slimmer because the game is enclosed in a balloon platform. In addition, the game bull is mechanically induced to turn, twist, rotate and aggressively fling off its rider similar to a live bull. At the Bafana Bafana IV, the rider that lasted the longest won the prize generously presented by Dangote Noodles. That the game was the major attraction at the party is an obvious understatement. Another reason for the huge interest was that the game was making its debut in Nigeria at the Bafana Bafana Party. Out of the numerous riders who dared to ride, three people won prizes. They are Orunsola Oladimeji, a musician; Dayo Akintola, an online brand specialist; and M2′s Samuel Somuyiwa. The game is being introduced into the country by Pro-G, an event props company. Speaking to M2, Mr. Odufuwa Sesan, one of the principal officers of Pro-G, said, “We are raising the bar in events prop. The Rodeo Bull just came in and we are using it for the first time here at Bafana,” adding that Pro-G is expecting more events prop items in a couple of months to really bring fun to events.
But, although Olamuyiwa relished the carton of Dangote noodles he won for a successful ride, he couldn’t help groaning due to the body aches he sustained after he fell off the bull. This weakened the will of many potential contenders as the thrill of adventure and challenge of the ride was not enough to convince them to have a go. After taking some moment to catch his breath, Dayo Akintola, proudly explained that he monitored the antics of the operator and adjusted his balance to suit each change of the buttons. He also decided to shut his eyes to avoid feeling swooned. He exclaimed, “Big up to Dangote and M2, this is real fun let loose”!!! “I was trying to ride the rodeo bull but it was turning my eyes so I ran away,” Bayo Oke, Brand Manager of Intercontinental Distillers, said. He later opted for table tennis which is obviously less strenuous, but it wasn’t a good try either as he was beaten 5-11 by his opponent. But he was happy for the opportunity to relive a long abandoned but much loved sport. “Today is the first time in about three to five years,” he enthused.
A few other top personalities who were also at the table tennis stand included Muyiwa Akintunde, Executive Director of Marketing Mix Ltd; Steve Nwosu of Sun Newspapers, who told M2 that it had been many years since he last played the game and was sent packing after one game; and Victor Banire of Conoil. Mr. Banire chose to focus only on table tennis as it has been a long time he played the game which he loves. Despite several defeats, he continued to play in order to refresh rusty skills. According to him, “He who runs lives to play again.” Perhaps, he would rather suffer for poor form now than suffer the same fate in future.
Other games that attracted huge following at the event were Chess, Scrabble, Ludo, Ayo, Snooker, Beach socceer, Whot and Jokers.
Comedian De Don who spoke to M2 while keenly playing Snooker boasted that he had participated in all the games and won all; this drew counter protests from his opponent who claimed he had had the upper hand over the comedian since, causing general laughter.
Bafana Bafana IV was not just another party, but one huge fun box. Some of the games had unusual results like in beach soccer, the ladies team pulled off a 3-1 upset against their male rivals. One of the guests, Nneka Ezinwa, an advertising professional, also defeated M2′s Emmanuel Okolo in the snooker game. Ojeazi, an upcoming artiste, who played Whots, said it was a good experience to play the game again after a long time off.
It is a known fact that games help to keep the mind and body in good shape and also strengthen family bonds, but most executives are too busy and have little for games. Bafana Bafana IV offered that rare opportunity to play in a relaxed atmosphere.
