Ariya Eko Celebrates Evergreen Soundtracks of a Generation

Yinka Olatunbosun

On October 5, Lagos will feel some evergreen echoes with the return of Ariya Eko. Fast becoming one of Lagos State’s most defining cultural landmarks, Ariya Eko is an evocative celebration of Nigeria’s indigenous music that not only entertains but educates, preserves, and connects generations.

As an annual event, Ariya Eko has evolved as a significant cultural movement highlighting the rich, diverse, and evergreen musical traditions of the Lagos people, from their ancient roots to contemporary expressions. Curated as a return to our melodic past, the music festival is delivered in a form that resonates deeply with the present.

Conceived as a response to the growing erasure of Lagos-rooted musical legends from public consciousness, Ariya Eko is driven by the urgency to ensure that these icons are neither forgotten nor relegated to mere footnotes in history. The festival honours those who once shaped our culture with their sound. Through Ariya Eko, these musicians find new life—not just in remembrance, but in active re-engagement with today’s audiences.

Lagos, being the entertainment and cultural capital of Nigeria, provides the perfect backdrop for a gathering of this kind. As the city continues to draw global attention for its dynamic creative energy, Ariya Eko will help in fostering deeper cultural ties, encouraging cross-generational dialogue, and opening pathways for international cultural diplomacy. The festival situates Lagos not just as a stage for entertainment, but as a heritage hub—where local sounds speak global truths.

The timing of the festival around Nigeria’s Independence period adds another layer of meaning. It is a reminder of the role music has played—and continues to play—in shaping national identity and unity. By aligning this cultural experience with the spirit of independence, Ariya Eko reinforces the value of indigenous contributions to the national story, amplifying voices that represent strength, pride, and resilience.

Beyond its core musical offerings, Ariya Eko also functions as a cultural showcase—featuring exhibitions, tributes, performances across genres, and special recognition awards to individuals and institutions that have preserved and advanced indigenous music traditions. These elements create a complete cultural immersion, transforming the event from a concert into an archive, a museum, and a moving tribute all at once.

Crucially, the event also holds significant tourism potential. In a time when cities around the world compete through cultural capital, Ariya Eko gives Lagos a competitive edge. It promises to attract both local and international audiences, stimulate the creative economy, and further project the state as a leading destination for cultural tourism in West Africa. The collaboration with Evergreen Musical Company and other strategic partners reinforces its credibility and ambition.

The Managing Director, Evergreen Music Company, spoke on the importance of Ariya Eko to Nigeria’s cultural economy.

She said: “Ariya Eko serves as both a tribute to the icons of yesteryears and a tool fostering deeper cultural ties, encouraging cross generational dialogue, and opening pathways for international cultural diplomacy.

This year’s Independence edition reinforces the value of indigenous contributions to the national story, amplifying voices that represent strength, pride and resilience.”

At its heart, Ariya Eko is a bridge—between the young and the old, between the local and the global, between memory and innovation. It is a celebration of Lagos, of Nigeria, and of the unyielding power of music to inspire, connect, and transform. As each edition unfolds, it adds a new verse to the enduring song of a people whose story must always be told in rhythm.