By Sola Ojewusi
It was a night of nostalgia, rhythm, and reverence at the MUSON Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, as Evergreen Musical Company, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, hosted the Ariya Eko Independence Music Festival — a dazzling celebration of 65 years of Nigerian music and the legends who shaped its glorious history.
From highlife to juju, from apala to waka, gospel, and reggae, the air was thick with melodies that defined generations. Icons who once ruled the airwaves and concert halls reunited, reminding the nation why their music remains timeless. The festival brought together both veterans and new-generation performers in a seamless blend of sound, heritage, and culture.
A Night to Remember
The evening opened with electrifying performances by the MFM Highlife Band, Afowoslide and Abiniby Groovy, Royal Bell Band, MFM Guitar Choir, Mentholkay and Nes Melody Makers Band, and Modola & AJ Band. Each act delivered a musical journey through Nigeria’s rich soundscape — from evergreen classics to contemporary fusions. The atmosphere was jubilant; every face reflected joy, pride, and admiration.
But the night’s emotional peak came with the presentation of honours to Nigeria’s enduring music trailblazers — artists, producers, cultural promoters, and visionaries whose artistry built the foundations of modern Nigerian music.
Honouring the Legends
Among the awardees were celebrated icons who have inspired countless musicians and fans alike:
- Evangelist Ebenezer Obey (Cultural Innovator Award)
- Alhaji Kolawole Ayinla Ilori
- Ken Calebs Olumese (Nightlife Legend Award)
- Stella Monye (Pop Queen)
- Salawa Abeni (Waka Queen)
- Jossy Friday, aged 85
- Dele Abiodun
- Funmi Aragbaye (Gospel Pioneers Award)
- Tunde Kelani (Distinguished Filmmaker Award)
- Alex O (Pop Star)
- Lemi Ghariokwu / Lemi Abiodun (Legendary Album Sleeve Designer)
- Toye Ajagun
- Dr. Ola Balogun
- Dr. D. A. Fasoyin
- Dr. Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli (Former PMAN President)
- Laolu Akins (Legendary Producer)
- Evangelist J. A. Adelakun
- Prince Cyril Bamidele (Aka Admiral Delé Abiodun)
- Pa Sulaiman Aremu
- Premier Music, Nigeria’s oldest surviving record label
Each recipient represented a cornerstone of Nigeria’s creative journey — from performance to production, from the stage to the studio.
Leadership Presence and Celebration of Culture
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State was the Special Guest of Honour. He praised Evergreen Music for its commitment to cultural preservation and personally presented awards to some honourees, including Evangelist Ebenezer Obey and Mama Sioni. Their performances on stage rekindled cherished memories and drew the audience to their feet in song and dance.
In his remarks, Obey lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu for promoting culture and national unity through creative initiatives.
Also in attendance were Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos; Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom; and Dr. Ayo Oladele, representative of Dr. Daniel Olukoya, founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM). Dr. Olukoya, a music enthusiast and patron of Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation, announced a ₦500,000 cash donation to each awardee, recognizing their lifelong impact on Nigeria’s music heritage.
Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring the Future
Managing Director of Evergreen Musical Company, Bimbo Esho, daughter of the late music preservation pioneer Chief Babafemi Esho, spoke passionately about celebrating living legends:
“Recognising our stars while they are still here is not just about honouring the past — it’s about inspiring the future. Ariya Eko is a bridge between the young and the old, between Lagos and the world, between memory and innovation.”
Esho reaffirmed that the Ariya Eko Music Festival will become an annual celebration of Nigeria’s musical excellence. She also highlighted the upcoming Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation and Museum in Lagos — a landmark cultural archive housing vintage records, instruments, photos, and memorabilia, designed to educate and inspire future generations of creatives.
Cultural historian Kunle Odufuwa added an intellectual touch to the night with a powerful reflection on how Nigerian musicians have historically contributed to unity, identity, and nation-building, even during challenging times.
A Legacy That Lives On
The Ariya Eko Festival was more than a concert — it was a homecoming for Nigeria’s sound. It celebrated the voices and rhythms that defined eras, the artistry that transcended boundaries, and the resilience of a nation whose music continues to echo across the world.
From the golden age of highlife and juju to the pulsating beats of Afrobeats today, Evergreen Music reminded all in attendance that Nigeria’s true wealth is not only in oil or land — but in the music that tells our story, uplifts our spirits, and unites our people.
Ariya Eko 2025 was a vibrant tribute to the past, a joyful celebration of the present, and a resounding promise to the future of Nigerian music.
