The Managing Director of Evergreen Music, Bimbo Esho, has declared that the upcoming Ariya Eko music festival will breathe fresh life into authentic Nigerian sounds and restore forgotten legends to the spotlight.
Speaking ahead of the Lagos event scheduled for October as part of Nigeria’s Independence celebrations, Esho described Ariya Eko as a cultural renaissance aimed at reviving, preserving, and celebrating indigenous music.
“Ariya means entertainment, fun, joy,” she explained. “We created Ariya Eko to spark a revival process—bringing back the rich indigenous music Lagos is known for and reconnecting people with the sounds that shaped our cultural identity.”
Esho stressed that Lagos has always been the heartbeat of Nigerian entertainment, producing music greats whose influence shaped generations. The festival, she said, will honour both late and living legends, giving posthumous awards to those who have passed while restoring veterans who have faded from the limelight.
“We don’t want our music, which reflects the identity of a true Nigerian, to die a natural death,” Esho said. “This is about projecting the beauty of our drums, dancers, and bands. In five years, I want people to say a revival began here.”
The October concert will feature vibrant performances, live bands, and a celebration of band culture, ensuring indigenous music remains relevant in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
Esho’s final call:
“It’s for all who appreciate good music and for Lagosians to own their unique culture. You don’t want to miss it—see you there!”
