Lagos set for bigger, bolder musical fiesta

Ambode with Olamide

The Lagos State government has announced its preparedness to host what it calls a better, bigger and bolder edition of the popular One Lagos Fiesta across the five divisional zones of the state, starting from Christmas eve on Saturday, December 24.
In a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, the government said residents and visitors in Ikeja, Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry and Lagos Island will be treated to the best of musical entertainment, cultural displays, comedy and cuisine from the state.
The fiesta will run daily from midday till midnight, with the first six hours dedicated to entertainment for children.


The event made its debut in 2015 after the Lagos Countdown was rechristened One Lagos Fiesta and spread across the five divisions of Lagos.
According to the Ayorinde, the fiesta is running on the same template like last year’s but with three notable additions to make it more impactful this year.
‘Firstly, the duration of the fiesta is longer this year. Instead of the five days of last year, Lagosians will have eight days of fun and camaraderie. Secondly, there will be space and reward for new, up and coming talents across the five zones.
‘We have already had a very successful audition where 50 successful candidates out of 999 individuals were picked from each of the zones, making 250 finalists in total.
‘They will have the opportunity to perform on the same stage as the superstars that will be featured this year. Two finalists will emerge from each zone by Friday the 30th of December. Those lucky 10 will then slug it out at the grand finale of OLF at the Eko Atlantic stage with three winners that will be rewarded handsomely.’
Ayorinde went on to list a number of high profile artistes that will perform, ‘More importantly, this year’s fiesta has a broader base of artistes, beyond hip-hop and contemporary music. There will be more traditional troupes and local artistes from each zonal division and the fiesta will welcome participation from non-hip hop superstars such as King Sunny Ade, Chief Ebenezer Obey, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1), Sir Shina Peters, Queen Salawa Abeni, Lagbaja, Adewale Ayuba, Abass Akande Obesere and Sulaimon Adio Atawewe who will grace the fiesta for the first time.’

Olamide

He added that the fiesta would kick off on a bright note from Day One with superstars like Olamide, Phyno, Tiwa Savage, 2face, M.I Abaga, Kiss Daniel, Reminisce, Falz, Adekunle Gold, Yemi Alade, Seyi Shay, Patoranking, Humblesmith and Tekno, as well as renowned disc jockeys and stand-up comedians from across the five regional zones.

‘The beauty of One Lagos Fiesta is the fact that as a creative economy in all the five divisions of the state is being developed, residents also have the opportunity to watch several superstars that they only see on televisions or would have spent a fortune to watch in Lagos Island or Ikeja for free,’ Ayorinde said.
Residents in each division will also have the opportunity to welcome state governor Akinwunmi Ambode to the show in their areas, as the Governor has promised to be present in each of the zones.
The Commissioner assured Lagosians that adequate security measures and emergency medical services have been provided in all the zones throughout the duration of the fiesta. He urges revelers to be orderly and cooperate with both security agencies and organisers that have been mandated to ensure a memorable crossover celebration for Lagosians.