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Culturati 2023: the Glitz, The Glamour, And The Paparazzi At The Epoch Making Event! ……. Ooni Of Ife, Ayiri Emami, Tayo Ayinde and Others Headline The Cultural Event.

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It was a glamorous evening as Lagos witnessed a spectacular fusion of fashion, art, food, entertainment and culture at the much-anticipated event, the 17th edition of Culturati.

 

 

 

Culturati 2023, was a  three-day event that came to a close on the 3rd of December, 2023.

 

The event not only featured a display of the rich African heritage but also featured discourse around the future of the African culture in fostering tourism in a two-day symposium held on 16th and 30th November respectively.

 

 

 

The grand finale which garnered dignitaries and celebrities was held on Sunday, 3rd December 2023 at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

 

 

 

Culturati 2023 not only showcased the magnificence of African heritage but also delved into insightful discussions about the future of African culture and its pivotal role in fostering tourism.

 

 

 

The two-day symposium held on November 16th and 30th provided a platform for discourse, featuring esteemed dignitaries, including Hon. Solomon Bonu, Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Governor, and Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

 

 

 

The grand finale on December 3rd was a star-studded affair, graced by dignitaries such as the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II), the Olowo of Owo, Paramount Ruler of Owo Land, Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and Oba Sulaiman Adekunle, the Olofin of Isheri Awori.

 

 

 

Celebrities and entertainers, including Iyabo Ojo, Alibaba Akpobome, and Waris Olayinka, added a glamorous touch to the evening.

 

 

Hosted by the charismatic duo of Nollywood actress Nancy Nsime and the dynamic Gbenga Adeyinka, the night unfolded with captivating displays of African culture. Traditional masquerades, Eyo drum performances, lively dances, comedy acts, and fashion shows took centre stage, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of African excellence.

 

 

 

The night featured various displays of African culture from different masquerades, including Eyo traditional drums and dances, comedy, fashion shows and musical performances.

 

 

 

Dignitaries that attended the event include the Chairman House Committee on Tourism Arts and Culture Hon. Solomon Bonu, the Chief of Staff to Mr Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Permanent Secretary, Mrs Oloruntoyin Atekoja.

 

 

 

Other dignitaries include royal fathers with the likes of The Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II), Olowo of Owo and Paramount Ruler of Owo Land, Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, Olofin of Isheri Awori, Oba Sulaiman Adekunle, and many other.

 

Aside from government officials and royal fathers, the event also witnessed an array of celebrities and entertainers, like Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, arc comedian Alibaba Akpobome, Waris Olayinka, popular as Ola of Lagos, and many others.

 

 

 

The event was hosted by Nollywood actress Nancy Nsime and Gbenga Adeyinka.

 

 

 

Speaking at the event, the convener of Culturati, Idris Aregbe, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Tourism, Arts and Culture, said that African Culture can be translated into a sustainable vehicle for youth empowerment, tourism promotion and other economic initiatives that resonate with global sustainable development goals (SDGs), given the latent economic potentials therein.

 

 

 

On the ideology behind the event, the African cultural enthusiast with a penchant for creating value, Mr Aregbe, who is also the Convener of the yearly event Culturati brought tourists from around the world to Lagos, Nigeria for a delightful experience of the variety of culture, foods and beverages said the dire unemployment situation in Nigeria precipitated the cultural movement SISI-OGE in 2006 to bring attention to the potentials in African culture.

 

 

 

He said, “Over the course of a decade, SISI-OGE metamorphosed into CULTURATI which has become Africa’s largest cultural fusion, continually creating business opportunities for many young cultural buffs to leverage on, rewarding cultural excellence while celebrating Africa’s rich and diverse heritage.”

 

 

 

Mr Aregbe however noted that this year’s edition was a lot more robust as it was targeted at opening up economic opportunities in African culture for youth empowerment, Tourism promotion and general economic development.

 

 

 

The event featured brands and audience engagement with a number of interactive segments that amplified the beauty and diversity of African culture with the Culturati market showcasing the ingenuity of craftsmen, the Culturati food Court saturated with an assortment of delicacies portraying the richness of African cuisine, the Culturati Fashion Show which presented best dressed African of the evening carting home a prize.

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Fuji Icon Remi Aluko Set to Thrill Fans at Ojez Railway Recreation Center Ebute Metta on Friday

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Fuji music legend Remi Aluko is set to bring the house down at the highly anticipated Toitoi Concert this Friday, December 20, at the Ojez Railway Recreation Center, Ebute Metta. Returning to the heart of Lagos, where his storied career began over two decades ago, Aluko is ready to deliver an electrifying night of rhythm, energy, and nostalgia.

 

Known for his mastery of blending traditional Yoruba melodies with modern Fuji vibes, Aluko has built a reputation for high-octane performances and a soulful connection with his audience. At the Toitoi Concert, fans can expect a lineup of his classic hits alongside fresh, unreleased tracks that showcase his continued evolution as a Fuji icon.

 

Speaking at a media briefing, Aluko shared his excitement:

“This concert is personal for me. Ebute Metta holds so many memories, and I can’t wait to give my fans a night they’ll never forget. Come early for some surprises—it’s my way of showing appreciation for the love and support over the years.”

 

Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chairman of Ojez Entertainment Group, echoed Aluko’s enthusiasm, highlighting the venue’s significance as a cultural hub:

“The Ojez Railway Recreation Center is more than just a venue—it’s a place of history and celebration. We’re thrilled to host this landmark event and are committed to providing a secure and festive atmosphere for all music lovers.”

 

The Toitoi Concert promises to be more than just a musical event—it’s a celebration of Fuji culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Aluko’s career or a newcomer to Fuji music, this concert offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage and modern vibrancy of the genre.

 

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to groove with Remi Aluko in an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make memories at the Toitoi Concert!

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Photos From The Star Studded Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0

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COSON MEMBERS CELEBRATE BUMPER =N=465.5 MILLION ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION!

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It was singing, jubilation and merriment this Tuesday, December 10, as members of Nigeria’s No 1 copyright collective management organization, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), approved a 2024 royalty distribution of a whopping =N=465.5 million for COSON members and associates. Following the approval, the distribution which is the highest in the history of the organization, began immediately as several COSON members started receiving bank alerts on their phones while still at COSON House.

They came from the East, the West, North and South of Nigeria: gaily dressed musicians who stormed Oluwaleimu Street, in the Allen Avenue Area of Ikeja where the magnificent COSON House stands sparkling in the sun, and in which COSON’s 2024 Annual General Meeting took place.

The AGM practically turned into a carnival as the former President of PMAN and Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, who presided at the General Meeting, delivered a moving address which he titled, “the COSON Spirit”.

 

The celebrated copyright warrior was praised repeatedly by joyous COSON members after delivering his speech in which he said, “We have deployed the law, like no other organization in the history of Nigeria, to form a bulwark against the people, in and out of government, who have tried everything to hijack and plunder COSON or if they fail, to kill COSON. You know the modus operandi of the vampires among our citizens: they grab every good thing in Nigeria for themselves, their friends and families with no thought for the millions of other people in our country. They are not satisfied with owning one house. In a nation where millions do not own even a hut, they grab what belongs to all of us and build 735 duplexes for themselves alone and want more as if they have a contract with the Almighty that they will never die.

“I wish to state that I have been to practically every court in the land, have mounted the witness box and testified, and have won victories on behalf of COSON that many had thought were impossible. We have retained the services of four first class senior advocates and several other senior lawyers.

“Without the decisions of those distinguished Judges of the Courts who remain committed to truth and justice, COSON, this great pan Nigerian organization that has become the nation’s most formidable agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the creative industry, would have since been sucked dry and wiped away.“

With sadness in his voice, Chief Okoroji said, “Fellow members of COSON, let me state that I verily believe that in these hard times, we could have done more, much more for the musicians of Nigeria. It is a paradox that the institution established by the state to enable us to soar and achieve great results for our nation, conspired with carpetbaggers and fraudsters to become the greatest obstacle to our progress and success. But… we continue to fly, due to the unbreakable COSON Spirit”.

In his speech, the COSON Chairman thanked the Management led by General Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu, for their contribution to the success of the society,

Identified at the AGM were such persons as the President of the Creative Industry Group, Amb. Felix Duke; President of the Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Eng Sharon Wilson; Afro Juju music super star, Sir Shina Peters; Reggae Music giant, Righteousman Erhabor; celebrated female singer, Stella Monye; Pop Music sensation, Alex O; Gospel Music Minister, Kenny Saint Brown; Showbiz Impresario, Koffi Da Guru, Popular entertainment die-hard, Steve Black and many more.

Also present were members of the COSON Board such as Abuja based, Chief Uche Emeka Paul, a workhorse of the Catholic Charismatic Music Ministry; Enugu based music toaster and publisher, Angus Power Nwangwu; Oge Kimono, first daughter of the unforgettable Rub-A-Dub Master, Ras Kimono who himself was a COSON die hard, before his death; renowned drummer, Richard Cole, famed producer Zdon Paporella and Gospel Music Minister, Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi.

Hundreds of COSON members joined the jubilant AGM on-line via Zoom.

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