Profiles Of Ariya Eko 2025 Veteran Awardees
Evang. (Prof) Ebenezer Obey – Fabiyi (MFR, KCW) The Chief Commander
Chief Commander Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olatupo Obey Fabiyi, fondly called Fheneer Obey, is one of Nigeria’s most revered music legends. From his early days with Fatai Rolling in the 1950s to the formation of his own band. The International Brothers, in 1964 and Inter-Reformers, he pioneered a distinct brand of juju music that became the soundtrack of era.
In the 1970s, his Miliki style revolutionised juju music, blending Yoruba percussion, talking drums, talking drums, guitars, proverbial lyrics that spoke to fashion, politics, and social life. His songs were not only entertainment but also wisdom, moral lessons, and cultural preservation.
Transitioning into gospel ministry in the 1990s, Obey continued to inspire generations with music rooted in faith and values. His career, spanning over six decades, has made him a national treasure and cultural icon.
For his timeless contribution to music, culture, and society, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey MFR is hereby honoured at the Ariya Eko Independence Music Festivals 2025.
Alhaji Kolawole Rasak Ayinla Ilori
Alhaji Kollington Ayinla, fondly called Kebe Kwara and Baba Alatika, is one of Nigeria’s most iconic Fuji music legends. Born on 20th August 1949 in Ilota near Ilorin, Kwara State, he emerged in the 1970s as a foremost pioneer of Fuji music alongside his contemporary, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
In 1974, he began recording under Nigerian EMI, and by 1978, he redefined Fuji music by introducing the bata drum, an innovation that gave his sound a powerful traditional edge. His creative genius, lyrical dexterity, and mastery of Yoruba percussion distinguished him from his peers and won him millions of devoted followers across Nigeria and beyond.
By 1982, as Fuji grew into a dominant force in Nigerian music, Alhaji Kollington established Kollington Records, through which he released over 30 albums in just five years a feat that underscored his prolific talent and unmatched dedication to the art. His music blended Yoruba oral traditions, social commentary, and entertainment in a way that preserved culture while setting new standards for musical excellence.
For over five decades, Alhaji Kollington Ayinla has remained a towering figure in Nigerian music, shaping Fuji into a global cultural export and mentoring generations of musicians.
For his unwavering contribution to the growth of Fuji music and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage, Alhaji Kollington Ayinla is hereby honoured at the Ariya Eko Music Festival 2025.
Ken – Calebs Olumese
Ken Calebs Olumese, fondly called “De Guv’nor”, is a towering figure in Nigeria’s entertainment and nightlife industry, Born on 27th May 1944 in Ekpoma, Edo State, he rose to prominence as the man who redefined clubbing and nightlife in Lagos, bringing sophistication, class, and structure to an industry that was once informal and unorganised.
In 1988, he established the legendary Nightshift Club at Opebi, Lagos, a venue that soon became the most exclusive gathering point for celebrities, captains of industry, politicians, and entertainers.
When the Club was later gutted by fire, his resilience saw him rebuild and rebrand it into the magnificent Nightshift Coliseum on Salvation, Road. Opebi-setting a new gold standard for nightlife and entertainment in Nigeria.
For over three decades, De Guv’nor presided over the social heartbeat of Lagos, curating an atmosphere where music, fashion, business, and politics met under one roof.
His innovation transformed nightclubbing into a cultural phenomenon, and his leadership made the Coliseum the stage for some of Nigeria’s most memorable social moments.
Today, Ken Calebs Olumese is celebrated as the Don Cornelius of Lagos Nightlife, a cultural icon whose name remains synonymous with elegance, exclusivity, and enduring excellence in entertainment.
For his visionary contributions to Nigerian nightlife, his pioneering role in modern club culture, and his enduring legacy as an architect of entertainment history, Ken Calebs Olumese is hereby honoured at the Ariya Eko Music Festival 2025.
GHARIOKWU’ Lemi (“King of Covers”)
GHARIOKWU’ Lemi, born Emmanuel Sunday on 26th December 1955 in Agege, Lagos, is a world-renowned Nigerian painter, illustrator, and graphic designer, celebrated as the “King of Covers.” His art gave visual identity to Afrobeat and immortalised the message of its pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
In 1974, he began his historic collaboration with Fela with the album, Alagbon Close, the first of 26 iconic covers he would design for the Afrobeat legend. His album illustrations were bold, intricate, and socially-conscious -merging satire, collage, and vibrant colours to address corruption, oppression, and cultural pride. His covers became as legendary as the music itself, amplifying Afrobeat’s power as a movement for truth and justice.
Beyond Fela, GHARIOKWU Lemi has created more than 2,000 album covers for Nigerian and international stars, including Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Miriam Makeba, Sunny Ade, and Davido. His artistry transformed album sleeve design into a respected art form, inspiring generations of visual storytellers.
His works have been exhibited across the world, including major showcases like The King of Covers in Amsterdam, which cemented his status as one of Africa’s greatest visual cultural ambassadors.
For his outstanding contribution to music and culture, his creative genius in immortalizing Afrobeat, and his lasting impact on global visual art, GHARIOKWU’ Lemi is hereby honoured at the Ariya Eko Music Festival 2025.
Prince Cyril Bamidele Aideyanba Abiodun Alele
Admiral Dele Abiodun, fondly called the Adawa Super King, is a legendary Nigerian juju musician whose name is synonymous with creativity, resilience, and excellence in the evolution of African popular music.
Born in ljebu Igbo, Ogun State, his love for music developed early, leading him to Lagos in the 1960s where he pursued his dream despite daunting challenges.
In 1969, he formed his band, Sweet Breeze, which later evolved into the Top Hitters Band, marking the beginning of a career that would span decades. His innovative style of juju, which he christened Adawa Sound, distinguished him from his contemporaries and carned him widespread acclaim. By blending traditional Yoruba rhythms with modern instrumentation, Admiral Dele Abiodun not only entertained but also redefined juju music for his generation and beyond.
His albums, including classics such as Itan, Adee Lateef, and Soiree Time, stand as enduring testament sound and storytelling. Beyond his music, Admiral Dele Abiodun has been a dedicated leader within the industry, serving as President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), where he championed the welfare and recognition of Nigerian musicians.
For his trailblazing contributions to Juju Music, his creation of the Adawa Sound, and his lifelong commitment to the growth and dignity of the Nigerian music industry, Admiral Dele Abiodun is hereby honoired at the Ariya Eko Music Festival 2025.
Evangelist (Dr) Funmi Aragbaiye
Evangelist (Dr) Funmi Aragbaiye, popularly known as “MAMA SIONI” is a Nigerian Gospel Music Icon, a gifted vocalist, a songwriter, and producer with high expertise and experience spanning over 40 years in the Gospel Music Ministry
She has several highly inspiring songs to her credit. The highly creative, versatile and delectable gospel music minister of the popular song, “Sioni Ilu Ayo”, is a recipient of many awards, both locally and internationally.
She has spread the Gospel all over the world through her songs which include Sioni Ilu Ayo, Divine Call, ljoba Orun Kusi Dede, Ba Wa Tun Nigeria Se, Peace In Nigeria, God Save Nigeria, Women Have Arrived and over one hundred songs released so far.
Evangelist (Dr) Funmi Aragbaiye, whose professional experience spans over 40 years in the Gospel Music Ministry, is a woman of impeccable character and sternly qualities whose gospel music has continued to inspire generations. She has thus written her names in the sand of time through her unwavering contributions to humanity and Christendom.
Her songs can be found on all social media mediums. Evangelist (Dr) Funmi Aragbaiye is hereby celebrated and honoured at the Ariya Eko Independence Music Festival 2025.
Dr. Ola Balogun
Dr. Ola Balogun is one of Nigeria’s most distinguished filmmakers, writers, and cultural visionaries. Widely regarded as a pioneer of the Nigerian film industry, his creative genius and artistic courage laid the foundation for what would eventually become Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry.
Educated in France and armed with an uncommon passion for storytelling, Ola Balogun returned to Nigeria in the 1970s and began producing films that captured the complexities, struggles, and triumphs of the African experience. His movies, such as Ajani Ogun, Aiye, Orun Mooru, Ija Ominira, and Money Power, did not only entertain but also confronted social, political, and cultural issues with a rare boldness. These works remain evergreen classics, revered for their authenticity, artistry, and unapologetic celebration of the African identity.
As one of the earliest practitioners to explore indigenous languages in cinema, Ola used film as both a mirror and a beacon-reflecting the realities of his society while guiding future generations towards cultural pride.
He also contributed immensely to the growth of video cinema, becoming one of the architects of a movement that democratised filmmaking in Nigeria.
Beyond cinema, Ola Balogun has remained an intellectual force, a public commentator, and a champion of the arts, consistently advocating for policies that support creative industries and elevate Nigerian culture on the global stage.
For his trailblazing achievements in film, his pioneering role in African storytelling through cinema, and his lifelong dedication to the promotion of the Nigerian culture, Ola Balogun is hereby celebrated and honoured at the Ariya Eko Independence Music Festival 2025.
Stella Ada Monye
Stella Ada Monye is one of Nigeria’s most iconic female voices and an enduring presence in the nation’s music industry. Often celebrated as the “Samba Queen”, Stella Monye rose to prominence in the 1980s with her powerful voice, stage charisma, and socially-conscious lyrics that set her apart in an era dominated by male performers.
Her hit, song Oko Mi Yee, became an instant classic, making her a household name across Nigeria and beyond. With her unique blend of highlife, pop, and Afro-inspired rhythms, Stella Monye’s music carried messages of love, hope, and social reform, earning her admiration, not only as a singer, but also as a voice for positive change.
Over the years, she has released several timeless songs, performed on major stages, and represented Nigeria internationally, where her artistry has been acclaimed. Beyond performance, Stella Monye has been a mentor and advocate for the rights of female musicians, using her platform to promote gender equality and the recognition of women in the arts.
Though sometimes described as, “underrated,” Stella Monye remains a bridge between the old and the new, a resilient diva whose contribution to Nigerian music cannot be diminished. Her music continues to resonate with younger generations, proving the timelessness of her artistry.
For her unwavering dedication to music, her role as a pioneering female voice in Nigerian pop culture, and her lifelong commitment to artistry and advocacy, Stella Monye is hereby celebrated and honoured at the Ariya Eko Independence Music Festival 2025.
Queen Salawa Abeni Ibiwunmi
Queen Salawa Abeni is one of Nigeria’s most iconie female musicians and the undisputed Waka Queen, whose voice, resilience, and artistry have made her a cultural treasure for over four decades.
Born in Epe, Lagos Stare, she began her musical career at the tender age of 15, when most yourng girls were still under parental care. In 1976, she released her debut album under Leader Records, which became an instant hit and announced her as a powerful new voice in Nigerian traditional music. From that moment. Queen Salawa Abeni’s name became synonymous with waka music, a genre rooted in Yoruba oral traditions.
Over the years, she not only popularised waka music but also elevated it to international recognition, becoming the first female Nigerian recording artist to sell over one million copies of an album. Her powerful stage presence, wild ability to connect with audiences earned her admiration across social, cultural, and generational divides.
Despite personal and professional challenges, Queen Salawa Abeni has remained a force of resilience and relevance. Her contribution to Nigerian music has paved the way for younger female artists, breaking barriers in an industry once dominated by men. Today, she continues to be celebrated as a living legend and cultural matriarch.
For her pioneering role in making Waka Music a national and international phenomenon, her resilience as an enduring female music icon, and her lifelong dedication to Nigerian music and culture, Queen Salawa Abeni is hereby celebrated and honoured at the Ariya Eko Independence Music Festival 2025.
Evangelist J.A. Adelakun (Ayewa)
Evangelist Joshua Alabi Adelakun, popularly known as Ayewa, is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated gospel musicians, whose ministry through music has spanned more than four decades and touched countless lives across the nation and beyond.
Since the early 1980s, Evangelist Adelakun has consistently produced soul-lifting and spiritually-enriching songs that continue to inspire faith, hope, and devotion. With over 30 albums to his credit, he stands as one of the most prolific gospel musicians of his generation. His songs -among them the evergreen Amona Tete Mabo -have become anthems in churches and Christian gatherings across Nigeria.
Ayewa’s music is deeply rooted in scripture and spirituality, delivered with lyrical clarity and a melodious style that resonates with believers across denominations. His consistency and steadfastness in proclaiming the gospel through music have set him apart as a true vessel of God, unshaken by the tides of time or trends in the music industry.
Beyond music, Evangelist Adelakun has been a mentor and spiritual father to younger gospel artists, embodying humility, dedication, and discipline in his ministry. His unwavering commitment to the gospel of Christ and his ability to blend Yoruba traditional rhythms with modern gospel sounds have made him a cultural and spiritual icon.
For his extraordinary contributions to Nigerian gospel music, his unwavering faithfulness to his divine calling, and his role in creating timeless gospel classics that continue to uplift generations, Evangelist J.A. Adelakun (Ayewa) is hereby celebrated and honoured at the Ariya Eko Independence Music Festival 2025.
Alex O (Alex Okoroigwe)
Alex O, born Alex Okoroigwe, is a celebrated Nigerian pop musician, songwriter, and producer who emerged in the late 1980s and 1990s as one of the pioneers of the modern Nigerian pop sound that would later influence today’s Afrobeats movement.
Rising to fame under PolyGram Records, Alex O carved a niche for himself with his vibrant stagecraft, melodious voice, and catchy lyrics that resonated with both the young and old. His hit track, Celebrate, became a defining anthem of the 1990s, establishing him as one of Nigeria’s most exciting and innovative performers of the era.
Beyond singing, Alex O was also one of the early adopters of Pidgin English pop and rap fusion, blending indigenous influences with contemporary global pop sounds. His artistry helped bridge the gap between traditional Nigerian rhythms and modern urban styles, positioning him as one of the forerunners of the genre that would later dominate Africa’s global music export.
After a successful career in Nigeria, Alex O broadened his creative horizons by studying film and animation abroad, eventually returning to Nigeria to contribute to the entertainment industry as a filmmaker and producer. His involvement in projects such as Trigar demonstrates his versatility as not only a musician but also a multi-talented creative mind.
For his pioneering role in shaping Nigerian pop music, his evergreen hits that defined an era, and his versatility as both a musician and filmmaker, Alex O (Alex Okoroigwe) is hereby celebrated and honoured at the Ariya Eko Independence Music Festival 2025.
Premier Music (Premier Music Limited)
Premier Music, officially known as Premier Records Limited, holds the distinguished honour of being Nigeria’s oldest surviving record label, with a legacy that spans over six decades of shaping the soundscape of African music. Established in 1963, the label has played an irreplaceable role in discovering, nurturing, and promoting some of Nigeria’s and Africa’s most celebrated musical talents.
From its inception, Premier Music positioned itself as a custodian of culture, recording and distributing the works of legendary artists whose sounds have defined generations. It was home to some of the greatest names in Nigerian and African music, including Sir Victor Uwaifo, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Onyeka Onwenu, Christy Essien-Igbokwe, and Oliver De Coque, among many others.
Through its catalog of evergreen hits, Premier Music not only entertained but also chronicled the social, political, and cultural journey of Nigeria. Its impact extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, taking African sounds to the global stage and laying the groundwork for the recognition of African music worldwide.
Despite the evolution of technology and the challenges faced by the music industry, Premier Music has remained resilient, adapting to new trends while preserving its heritage. It continues to serve as a bridge between the golden era of vinyl and the digital age of streaming, ensuring that timeless classics remain accessible to future generations.
For its pioneering role in the Nigerian music industry, its historic contributions to the preservation and global promotion of African music, and its enduring legacy as the oldest surviving record label in Nigeria, Premier Music is hereby celebrated and honoured at the Ariya Eko Independence Music Festival 2025.
Baba Tunde Kelani
Baba Tunde Kelani, affectionately known at TK, is a legendary Nigerian filmmaker. cinematographer, and cultural custodian whose career has spanned more than four decades. Born in February 1948 in Lagos and raised in Abeokuta, his early life was steeped in Yoruba culture, literature, and traditions -experiences that would later shape his artistic vision and storytelling style.
He began his creative journey as a photographer before training formally in cinematography at the London Film School, after which he worked extensively with Nigerian television and in documentary production.
In 1991, he established Mainframe Films and Television Productions, a platform through which he produced and directed some of the most iconic films in Nigerian cinema.
His works, including Ti Oluwa Ni Ile, Koseegbe, Saworoide, Thunderbolt (Magun), Agogo Eewo ,The Narrow Path, Maami, and Dazzling Mirage, are timeless classics. They not only entertained but also preserved Yoruba heritage, promoted indigenous language, and addressed pressing social issues. Through his unique fusion of literature, culture, and film, he elevated Nigerian cinema to global recognition.
Beyond filmmaking, Pa Tunde Kelani has also invested in nurturing the next generation of storytellers through Mainframe Film and Media Institute in Abeokuta, a hub for training and mentoring young filmmakers in the art of culturally-rooted cinema.
For his extraordinary contributions to Nigerian film, his devotion to cultural preservation, and his pioneering role in showcasing Yoruba heritage.
