Entertainment

Fanfare, Razzmatazz As NAFEST 2021 Kicks Off in Ado Ekiti with Command Performance

Published

4 years ago

November 15, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Erelu Bisi Fayemi, the Wife of the Ekiti State government, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was the special guest of honour Sunday night as the 34th National festival of Arts and Culture tagged NAFEST 21 gets underway in the state capital, Ado Ekiti, with a grand COMMAND PERFORMANCE.

Ekiti Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Prof Ojo Bakare, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe

Filled with colours, class, razzmatazz and vigour, the superbly orchestrated performances spearheaded by the EKITI State Performing Arts Group, was an exercise in delight as the crowd of audience continually asked for more.

Held at the newly constructed Arts Theatre of the Ekiti State Civic and Convention Centre, the event showcased the deep culture of the Ekiti people, using energetic dance steps choreographed to perfection.

Erelu Fayemi presenting her welcome speech

Kick-starting the fanfare was the dance of welcome, which ushered participants and guests to the mind-blowing and fun-filled extravaganza.

The dance was followed by a rib cracking session as with a two man show by Parisco and Baba Chinedu, who formed the team of Arakenge Comedy art.

Performance after a performance, the hall was electrified with the guests absorbing the thrills and frills of the superlative culture of the Ekiti people, all rooted in dance and drama.

In quick succession, the state theatre group performed dances depicting one session of the culture afteranother ranging from occupation, gender strive, religion and more.

Battle of the Sexes

The group, which came prepared, in a lampoon, showcased the Nigeria of the moment through a drama titled Free Readers Association. The highly hilarious drama presented the ills of the society through newspaper reading, and made sporadic attempts at providing solutions.

Thereafter, The Battle of the Sexes was presented, which tend to decide between the male and female folks, who is the superior. It was followed by the Iwure Dance and Ido Dance, rightly described as magical as a result of the high octane acrobatic displays.

The Iwure Performance

It was then the turn of the Students of Theatre and Arts of Ekitii State University, who showed vigour and strength as they performed The Drums of Rubble. The Fisherman Dance followed thereafter to conclude the Dances.

In her welcome address, Erelu Fayemi, who was the Special Guest of Honour, asked participants from across the states to make themselves at home and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Ekiti people rooted in tourism, hospitality, food and more.

The drama group performing

“We are immensely humbled and proud to have been considered eligible to host the 2021 NAFEST. What we lack in resources, we have in passion, kindness and integrity,” Mrs Fayemi said.

The Ido ‘Magical’ Dance

Among the array of dignitaries present at the event were the Director General, National Council of Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe; Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Prof Rasaki Ojo Bakare, Rivers State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Mr Charles Ejima; Mrs Tonye Briggs, Delta State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Mr Lawrence Ejiofor and many more.

The Fisherman Dance

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Entertainment

Don Jazzy Names Top 5 All-time Afrobeats Songs, Albums

Published

2 weeks ago

November 1, 2025

Eric

Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has unveiled his list of favorite Afrobeats songs and albums, spotlighting the classics that propelled the genre from local streets to international acclaim.

In a RollingStone Africa interview, the producer paid homage to the Mo’ Hits era he co-built with D’Banj, while crediting pioneers who shaped the sound.

His top songs include 2Baba’s African Queen, which he said opened global doors for Afrobeats and Wizkid’s Ojuelegba for its authentic storytelling.

D’Banj’s Fall in Love earned praise as a continental anthem from Mo’ Hits, while 9ice’s Gongo Aso was lauded for blending Yoruba tradition with pop.

Davido’s Aye rounded out the list for its Highlife-infused energy.

For albums, Don Jazzy singled out Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, which he produced as a timeless masterpiece.

He also named 2Baba’s Grass 2 Grace, Wizkid’s Superstar, D’Banj’s The Entertainer, and Aṣa’s self-titled debut as foundational works that influenced today’s stars.

Entertainment

Obasanjo, Osoba, Dele Momodu, Others Headline Premiere of Oloketuyi’s ‘Exco’

Published

1 month ago

October 7, 2025

Eric

Ultimate Communications, led by veteran film executive, media personality and BON Awards founder, Seun Oloketuyi, is set to host the exclusive premiere of its latest production, ‘Exco’, a compelling political drama.

The premiere is set for Wednesday, October 15, at the prestigious Alliance Française, Mike Adenuga Centre, Lagos.

The event is poised to be a convergence of Nigeria’s political and entertainment elite, underscoring the film’s deep engagement with current national discourse.

Among personalities confirmed to lead the guest list are former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; and Ovation Magazine Publisher, Aare Dele Momodu.

Joining them are other notable figures, including the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Moji Ojora Meranda; Senator Babajide Omowoware; Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab; and Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture. Their attendance reaffirms EXCO’s status as a must-see socio-political commentary.

‘Exco’ is billed as a sharp, well-developed political drama that explores the intricate conflicts and complex resolutions within the corridors of power. The narrative focuses on situations of moral ambiguities, offering audiences a nuanced look at the motivations behind political decisions.

The film, directed by Director Mo, is lauded for its tight script and compelling performances.

The ensemble cast features some of Nollywood’s most respected talents, including: Deyemi Okanlawon, Jide Kosoko, Bimbo Akintola, Ronke Oshodi-oke, Scarlet Gomez, Femi Branch, Lizzy Jay, Olarotimi Fakunle, Nobert Young, Patrick Doyle, Kunle Coker, and others.

Speaking on the movie, Oloketuyi said,
“EXCO is more than just a movie; it is a mirror reflecting the delicate power play and human elements that shape our governance. We are honoured to have the likes of former President Obasanjo, Governor Osoba, and other pillars of Nigerian society join us to launch a film that we believe will spark necessary conversations.”