Motherland Beckons lights up OAU

Since the declaration of Ile Ife as a tourism zone by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja 11, the ancient town has continued to host different cultural and tourism related activities, with the Ooni playing host to tourists and dignitaries from different parts of the world.

The latest was a youth forum organised by the Ooni in conjunction with Motherland Beckons, of which he is the grand patron and Enuwa Palace. Tagged Democracy Day Musical Fiesta, the event, which held on May 29, was staged in celebration of Nigeria’s fledgling democracy, at the Amphitheatre of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife.

It was some sort of ‘town meeting gown’ event with a large number of youths from across the country interacting with the students and the university community under a convivial and celebratory environment, as the Amphitheatre, venue of the event, was all glitz and pomp. Artistes from Atunda Entertainment, Tenstrings Music Institute and Olamide Badoo, who was the star entertainer for the night, headlined the event that lasted into the early hours of the following day.

Before the musical performances, pep talk by different personalities were delivered on the occasion to draw the attention of the youths to their role in the society and the need for them to embrace useful schemes and empower themselves for the task of nation building as the future of the country rest on their shoulders.

< Previous

1 of 10

Next >

A performance scene from the event

Olamide performing at the event

Olomidan Bata

Founder of Motherland Beckons, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who is also the President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and consultant to the Ooni, admonished the youths to adopt positive outlook and shun all forms of criminalities but rather devote themselves to acquiring skills and education that would make them better persons and contributors to the national wealth.

Akinboboye promised the teeming youths that his organization, in conjunction with the Oonirisa and the Enuwa Palace, would leave no stone unturned in their bid to positively engage the youths of Ile Ife and the entire Yoruba land in the area of musical, cultural and sports tourism with the sole objective of turning Ile Ife (the land of expansion and the cradle of mankind and civilisation) into the foremost tourist destination in Nigeria and in Africa.

Some of the musical acts that enthralled the audience included Adigun Olohon Iyo, the rising star from the stable of Atunda Entertainment. His velvet-voice and stage craft got the audience singing and dancing as he rendered a soulful blend of contemporary juju rhythm, laced with rap composed in rich Yoruba idioms, proverbs and innuendos.

Another starlet from Atunda Entertainment that electrified the night with her spectacular and breathtaking performance was Olo Omidan Bata, the first Nigerian female bata drummer, who got a standing ovation from the crowd, as she entertained them with her mastery of baba drumming, singing ability, embellished with her well-choreographed dancing skills and acrobatic displays.

Backed by her 15-man dance ensemble and complemented by a symphony of Iya Ilu (big drum), Gangan (talking drums) and heavy percussions, Anu Lady Ekwe, who is also the first acclaimed Nigerian female Ekwe maestro, whipped the joyous crowd into frenzy with a stunning performance.

The night’s offerings climaxed with a box office performance by Olamide Badoo, who was virtually swooped on by the youths. He gave them a lot to celebrate, as he took them through most of his hit songs, stoking their singing and gyrating ferment.