Ebenezer Obey, the eminent Nigerian musician, is among the array of stars that will grace the 2021 National Festival of Unity at the National Theatre, Lagos
By Kehinde Okeowo
Veteran juju maestro, Chief Ebenezer Obey, Sir Shina Peters, Mike Okri, and Yinka Davies are some of the prominent artists that perform at the 2021 National Festival of Unity at the National Theatre, Lagos.
The host and General Manager of the National Theatre, Prof Sunday Ododo, made this known while speaking with the press recently.
He said the festival, with the theme: “Enduring Optimism”, which will be held for the second time in December, is an annual concert to promote African culture through music, dance, drama, comedy, and more.
According to Daily Trust, Prof Ododo listed Stella Monye, Kola Ogunkoya, and Dayo Kujore, as some of the other music acts expected to join Ebenezer Obey and others.
He also said the musicians would be on hand to mentor and give guidance on live band entertainment.
He added that the festival will be held for three days, from December 10 to 12, and will be done in conjunction with the National Theatre and Evergreen Music Company.
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Oddo said this year’s edition will be much better than the previous edition in many ramifications. He also said despite the challenges they face, they have been able to make the National Theatre functional to the amazement of Nigerians.
He said, “This year’s National Festival of Unity will be bigger, bolder, and richer as we have more time to crystallize the vision, engage more people from the entertainment space and get positive feedback.
“We have kept the theatre alive so much that a lot of people wonder at the paradox of the National Theatre being busier now that the complex is locked for renovation.”
The CEO of Evergreen Music, Bimbo Esho, while speaking on the Live Band Contest, disclosed that there would be 50 live bands performing on stage with cash prizes and musical instruments to be given out as rewards.
He also said the event was organized to showcase our culture, the talents within the country and challenge Nigerian artists to up their game.
Esho said, “The primary objective of the program is to showcase the important aspect of our musical heritage for development into a viable cultural product. It is to ginger our local musicians who perform gigs at several entertainment rendezvous that dot the national landscape to up their ante.
“The initiative is to boost the composition of meaningful lyrics and lively songs, quality dance styles, stage appeal, as well as excellent performance to delight music patrons even beyond Nigeria.”
The Special Adviser on Arts and Culture to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Solomon Bonu, said the state is partnering with the event because it sees it as an avenue to engage the youth.