Entertainment
Sakoba Takes Home Top Prize At Ara’s Female Drummer Fiesta
Female singer and talking drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa, known professionally as Ara, recently hosted the first-ever Female Drummer Fiesta in Lagos.
The event, titled “Ajo: The Journey of the Talking Drum,” featured a competition in which female drummers from across the country showcased their skills on the talking drum. Among the contestants were 5-year-old Anyandunni and 8-year-old Anyanwura, as well as seasoned performers like Abike Gangan, Dorcas Omele, Ife Ara, Sakoba, Queen Drums, and Anyanbiyi Ebunoluwa Bata.
After all the performances, the judges shortlisted five finalists: Owo Ara, Abike, Ife Ara, Ayanbukola, and Sakoba. In the end, Sakoba from Akure in Ondo state was crowned the winner, taking home the star prize of N300,000. Ife Ara placed second and won N200,000, while Anyanbukola came in third and received N150,000. Anyandunni and Anyanwura received a consolation prize.
The event also featured a special performance by Ara herself, accompanied by legendary storyteller Jimi Solanke.
Speaking about the purpose of the event, Ara said, “This event is to celebrate females in traditional drumming. When I started out it was just me over 20 years ago, today we have as young as 5 years old who have picked up the talking drum. For me, it’s about empowering the girl child to see that their gender is no barrier to achieving anything in life.
“When you celebrate those who have done well in this field, others will come. Our culture needs to be preserved. Music is part of our culture, drumming is part of our cultural heritage. So, we need to promote, preserve, and project it so that our children yet unborn can understand who they are and how their history came about, not only in the art of music but generally. I want to implore everyone to please project our culture.”
Lagos witnessed an electrifying night of Afrobeats excellence on December 23, 2024, as the Flytime Music Festival took center stage.
Headlined by Nigerian music powerhouse Olamide, the event brought together an impressive lineup of stars to deliver unforgettable performances.
Olamide, affectionately called “Baddest” by fans, captivated the audience with back-to-back hits from his extensive catalog, including fan favorites like Melo Melo and Duro Soke.
The night turned emotional when Zlatan Ibile joined Olamide on stage and knelt in homage, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd.
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The festival also showcased the generational impact of Olamide’s artistry.
Rising stars like Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, and Pheelz, who credit Olamide as a mentor, joined him on stage for a nostalgic display of talent.
Bella Shmurda, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal also made show-stopping appearances.
A highlight of the night was the powerful duet between Olamide and Wande Coal on their hit song Kpe Paso.
Afrobeats royalty turned out in full force to support Olamide. Icons like Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Peruzzi, and Iyanya performed alongside emerging stars such as Magixx, Omah Lay, Orezi, Khaid, and Lojay, making the event a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.
CKay added extra flair by joining Olamide for a vibrant performance of their collaboration, Wahala, while Tiwa Savage brought her signature energy to the stage, keeping fans on their feet.
Backstage, entertainers Tunde Perry and Farulee added a dose of humor, further elevating the night’s excitement. Flytime Music Festival 2024 was more than a concert; it was a testament to the unifying power of music and a celebration of the global dominance of Afrobeats.
Nigerian music sensation Davido was recently seen engaging warmly with Bose Ogulu, the mother and manager of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, at Tony Elumelu’s exclusive all-white party in Lagos.
The event, hosted by the prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, gathered a star-studded assembly of celebrities, business leaders, and influencers.
The interaction between Davido and Ogulu drew significant attention, especially considering the previously reported tensions between Davido and Burna Boy.
Their cordial exchange at the event has sparked discussions among fans and observers, suggesting a possible easing of past disagreements.
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The all-white party, known for its elegance and high-profile guest list, featured performances from top Nigerian artists, including Davido and Burna Boy. Their individual performances were among the highlights of the evening, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Nigerian music industry.
Tony Elumelu’s gatherings are renowned for bringing together diverse talents and fostering a spirit of collaboration. The presence of both Davido and Burna Boy’s mother at the same event underscores the influential role such occasions play in bridging gaps within the entertainment community.
As videos and images from the event circulate on social media, fans express optimism about the potential reconciliation between the two music giants. Many hope that this encounter signifies a new chapter of collaboration and mutual respect in the Nigerian music scene.
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Several children lost their lives, and many others were injured in a tragic incident at a funfair in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.
The event, which was advertised as free entry, attracted a massive crowd, resulting in a crush as attendees struggled to gain access.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 5,000 children gathered at the venue, located at the Islamic High School Basorun. The tragedy unfolded when the main organisers arrived to begin the event. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains unclear, the situation escalated into chaos, leaving scores injured.
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The Oyo state government confirmed the incident, stating that victims had been rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. In a statement, they acknowledged “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” Authorities have urged concerned parents to check local hospitals for their children’s whereabouts.
The devastating event has left the community in shock, with residents mourning the lives lost in what should have been a joyous occasion. Investigations are expected to shed light on how the situation spiraled out of control.
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