Our Reporter
Lagos State is preparing to host another historic celebration of culture and music as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu leads the 2025 edition of Ariya Eko Music Festival.
The event is scheduled to hold at the Shell Hall of the Muson Center on Sunday, October 5, 2025, and will spotlight some of Nigeria’s most respected cultural pathfinders.
This year’s edition is dedicated to recognising men and women who have spent decades shaping Nigeria’s cultural and musical heritage.
These icons, many of them above 70 years of age, will be honoured for their talent, resilience, and lifelong contributions to the development of indigenous music and the creative industry.
Among those to be celebrated are Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey MFR (84, Juju music legend), King Jossy Friday (85, pioneer of Bolojo music), Ken Caleb Olumese (81, popularly known as the King of Lagos Nightlife), General Kollington Ayinla (76, Fuji music maestro), Elder Tunde Kelani (77, award-winning cinematographer and filmmaker), Evangelist J.A. Adelakun “Amona” (gospel icon), and Ghariokwu Lemi (69, world-renowned designer of iconic album covers).
Others include Ola Balogun (80, filmmaker, scriptwriter and musician), Pa Ajobiewe (69, master of Esa Oriki), Sir Emma Ogosi (85, music legend), Evangelist Dr Funmi Aragbaiye (70, gospel musician), Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli MFR (77, classical music virtuoso), Admiral Dele Abiodun (77, Juju star), Laolu Akins (78, music producer), Stella Monye (69, Samba queen), Dr Mrs D.A. Fasoyin (85, one of Nigeria’s oldest female gospel singers), and Uncle Toye Ajagun (80, Juju veteran).
The festival will also feature a “Do You Remember” segment where younger artists will pay tribute to these cultural giants by performing their classic songs just as they were originally rendered decades ago. This promises to bring alive the golden era of Highlife, Juju, Sakara, Waka, Fuji, and Gospel, offering the audience an authentic taste of Nigeria’s rich musical heritage.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, through this initiative, is reaffirming his commitment to honouring creativity and safeguarding Lagos’ cultural history. Since assuming office, he has consistently shown support for initiatives that preserve the legacies of those who paved the way in arts and culture.
The Ariya Eko Music Festival is organised annually by Evergreen Musical Company Ltd in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, under the leadership of Commissioner Mrs Toke Benson Awoyinka. According to the organisers, the festival is not just about entertainment but also about passing a message that Lagos, beyond being a commercial hub, is also a guardian of African heritage and tradition.
This year’s celebration is expected to draw together cultural enthusiasts, musicians, government officials, and members of the public in what promises to be one of the most memorable nights in Lagos’ cultural calendar
