Lagos is set to host a grand celebration of its musical heritage as the 2025 edition of the Ariya Eko Independence Music Festival promises to be a landmark cultural event. Speaking to PMNews Nigeria, Bimbo Esho, organizer of the festival, described Ariya Eko not merely as a music concert but as a cultural journey tracing the evolution of Lagos and Nigerian music from the pre-independence era to the present day.
According to Esho, the festival was originally conceived to revive indigenous music and underscore its enduring role in shaping Nigerian society. This year, the festival will go a step further by honoring individuals whose creativity has left lasting imprints on the nation’s cultural heritage.
Recalling the 2019 edition, Esho noted that the festival had paid tribute to only one icon, Chief Ebenezer Obey, renowned for recording over 600 albums during his prolific career. In contrast, the 2025 festival will spotlight 65 men and women who have made remarkable contributions to music, culture, and the arts. The number 65 was deliberately chosen to coincide with Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, adding symbolic significance to the recognition.
Speaking on the evolution of the music industry, Esho highlighted how modern technology, streaming services, and social media have transformed the way music is produced, shared, and consumed. Nevertheless, she emphasized that the essence of music remains unchanged—as a universal language, a means of expression, and a way to uplift the human spirit.
Looking ahead, Bimbo Esho revealed that future editions of Ariya Eko would honor Nigerian artists who shaped the music scene in the 1990s, including acts such as Plantashun Boiz, Remedies, and Blackky. These artists, she explained, played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the older music legends and the younger generation now taking Nigerian music to global audiences.
Promising a blend of nostalgia, celebration, and recognition, the 2025 Ariya Eko Festival is expected to be more than a night of performances. It is set to reaffirm Lagos as the heartbeat of African music, honoring the trailblazers who have helped elevate Nigerian music onto the world stage.
Tags: Ariya Eko | Bimbo Esho | Evergreen Music Company | October 5th
