Lagos stood still last month when the crème de la crème of the economic capital of Nigeria gathered to celebrate and honour the country’s musical heritage. At the iconic Muson Centre on the Lagos Island, music lovers gathered to witness a ceremony honouring the legends of Nigeria’s music industry. Tagged Ariya Eko Independence Music Festival, the event was one of the many that were staged to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary which came up on the 1st of October. And the occasion lived up to expectation as it turned out to be a night, not only of tributes and awards, but one of merriment against the background of various music genre in Nigeria, from Highlife to Juju, apala to sakara and a legion of indigenous music.
Honoured at the events were veteran musicians like Chief Ebenezer Obey, Kollington Ayinla, Dele Abiodun, Funmi Arabgaiye, Stella Ada Monye, Debora Fasoyin, Dr Tee Mac Omatshola, Tunde Elegbede, Salawa Abeni, Evangelist Adelakun, and Alex O. while Premier Music, the oldest surviving record label in Nigeria was honoured for its cherished contribution to Nigerian music, veteran music producer, the debonair Laolu Akins was also honoured. Laolu Akins is in Nigeria, “one of the revered music producers, drummers, and creative visionaries.” He is often referred to as the “Star Behind the Stars”.
Laolu Akins’ involvement in music spans decades and he has remained a formidable force in the industry. His contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s contemporary music is highly remarkable. Announcing his award, the organisers praised his “pioneering role in Nigerian rock and fusion music, his legendary contributions as a “producer of timeless hits, and his lifelong dedication to the growth and mentorship of Nigerian musicians. While the legendary film makers and producers were also honoured, the honour and respect were also bestowed on Yoruba cultural heritage especially the poetic tradition. Film makers Dr Ola Balogun and Tunde Kelani were honoured as well.
Dr Ola Balogun is regarded as a pioneer of the Nigerian film industry and he has distinguished himself as a filmmaker, writer and cultural visionary. In the same manner, Tunde Kilani, has distinguished himself as a “legendary Nigerian filmmaker, cinematographer, and cultural custodian.”
He was honoured “for his extraordinary contributions to Nigerian film, his devotion to cultural preservation, and his pioneering role in showcasing Yoruba heritage to the world.” Pa Ajobiewe has a peculiar deep and guttural voice that stands him out everywhere. And he has dedicated his life to preserving and performing the praise poetry that is unique to the Yoruba people.
He was honoured for “his outstanding dedication to Yoruba oral literature, his mastery of Esa Oriki Ori, and his lifelong role as a cultural custodian of Yoruba identity.” Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of the host state, Lagos State, was present at the event with a retinue of government officials, not only to add colours, but to put a stamp of authority on the event. He personally presented the awards to the awardees with so much relish. He had to dance and join some of the awardees in performing some of their great songs.
Also in attendance was Mr Tunde Fagbenle, a veteran journalist, former Punch newspaper columnist and the publisher of the now defunct foremost Nigerian newspaper in the United Kingdom, the Nigerian HomeNews. Mr Fagnenle is also a trustee of the organising company.
A significant contribution to the overall success of the event and one that typically put the event in proper perspective and context, was the educational piece that was embedded in the programme of the event. Well researched and was written lucidly by Professor Samuel Asobele, a former Head of European Languages and Integration Studies at the University of Lagos.
