Culture

Ede’s Aji La’la Oso festival unveils unifying anthem celebrating heritage

Published

1 year ago

June 4, 2025

Ede has released “Aji La’la Oso,” the official anthem for its 2025 Aji La’la Oso Festival, featuring local artists in a celebration of the town’s culture, history, and future

A vibrant new chapter has officially begun in the rich cultural narrative of Ede as the official anthem for the Aji La’la Oso Festival 2025, titled “Aji La’la Oso,” has been released.

Also read: Ajilala Oso Festival 2025: Omooba Laoye shares exciting plans on OSBC Radio

The song brings together some of Ede’s most acclaimed vocalists in a powerful and melodious celebration of the town’s storied history, enduring traditions, and promising future.

This special anthem features a collective of well-known artists from Ede, including Babarinde Odewole (motiroluwa), Adejoke Olorin, Temmy C Singer, Alhaji Sule Alade (e maa fine), Alhaji Buhari Sulaimon (Epo akara), Wande Akinlade, Adewale Adegbite (Araka), Segun Segadex, and the renowned “Drummer of Peace” himself, Prince Adewale Laoye, who also serves as the Chairman of this year’s festival.

“Aji La’la Oso” is described as a rich and melodious song that extols the beauty of Ede, celebrates the diverse talents of its people, and fondly recalls the ancient occupations passed down through generations.

The song specifically highlights important traditional crafts such as Aso Ofi weaving, Adire dyeing, local soap making, pottery, intricate embroidery on Aso Oke, and the production of ready-to-wear Aso Ofi and matching caps. It also proudly features local delicacies like Ila and Eko, cherished by many.

We want something that everyone from Ede can sing with pride. This song tells our story, our strength, and our dreams.

More than just entertainment, the anthem serves as both a prayer and a fervent call to unity. It includes special prayers for the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa I, seeking long life, wisdom, and continued leadership for the traditional ruler.

The anthem also pays homage to all sons and daughters of Ede, both at home and abroad, inviting them to embrace their heritage with pride and to join hands in collectively building a stronger future for Edeland.

Prince Adewale Laoye explained that the primary purpose of the song is to provide Ede with a distinct musical identity that resonates with both the old and young generations.

“We want something that everyone from Ede can sing with pride. This song tells our story, our strength, and our dreams,” he stated.

Now in its 5th edition, the Aji La’la Oso Festival continues to grow in prominence as one of Nigeria’s leading cultural festivals.

The festival’s core focus remains on the revival of traditional skills, the empowerment of young people, and the promotion of Ede as a top tourist destination.

The official song is now widely available on various streaming platforms, radio stations, and is set to be a prominent feature throughout the upcoming festival season.

It is described as a joyful, danceable song designed to bring people together and keep the vibrant spirit of Ede alive.

Up Next

Ikorodu cultural heritage set for boost with commissioner’s support

Don't Miss

Oyo pledges stronger collaboration with NANTA to regulate tourism sector

Click to comment

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 month ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”