In a bid to impact, improve, and bond deeply with its ever-growing audience, 101.7 YES FM Ibadan birthed something truly magical last year, 2024 — a festival that has now become one of the city’s most anticipated annual celebrations. Aptly named the 10:17 Festival, this event is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a heartbeat that pulses through the streets of Ibadan every 17th of October, echoing with music, dance, laughter, and the rich aroma of traditional food.
The maiden edition, held in 2024, was a bold dream — a dream to promote culture while giving back to the very people who made YES 101.7 FM more than just a radio station. And now, barely a year later, the dream has grown wings.
The second edition, held this October at the popular Mauve 21 Event Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan, proved that when culture, creativity, and community come together, magic happens.
This year’s theme, Promoting Culture, Sports, and Impacting Lives, was not just a tagline; it was the soul of the event. From the early morning hours, the excitement was palpable.
The crowd — dressed in colorful ankara attires that served as their tickets — filled the venue with life and rhythm. It wasn’t just another concert; it was a cultural carnival, a place where generations met, where tradition danced with modernity, and where joy had no boundaries.
Every corner of the venue told a story. The stage gleamed under the lights, ready to host electrifying performances. Stalls lined with traditional delicacies like amala, ewedu, ofada rice, and palm wine filled the air with familiar scents that tugged at nostalgia.
The talking drums echoed with pride, and dancers moved gracefully to the rhythm of Yoruba beats that made everyone — young and old — sway their shoulders in delight.
And then, there were the celebrities — cultural icons who added even more glamour to an already star-studded day. From the legendary Yemi Shodimu, Sola Kosoko-Abina to screen veterans Yomi Fash-Lanso, Dele Odule, and Toyin Adegbola, the festival felt like a reunion of Nigeria’s finest entertainers.
Alhaji Rashidi Ayinde Merenge was specially eulogised by KSO, Yinka James Adonai, with is gentleman’s personality; the Chief composer Lai Addis smiled home with cash reward from Osupa, while the station’s Ambassador, Femi Solar, came fully prepared to thrill the audience.
Their presence reminded everyone of the strong link between the entertainment industry and the preservation of culture. These were not just stars on screen — they were torchbearers of heritage, standing proudly with YES FM in the mission to keep culture alive.
But perhaps the biggest cheer of the day erupted when King (Dr./ Saheed Osupa, the ace fuji crooner, the guest artiste, took the stage. With his signature Fuji energy that resonated with the Gen-z and powerful stage presence, he lit up the arena. The crowd sang along, phones in the air, faces gleaming with excitement. For many, it was a moment to remember — the kind that lives on in stories told long after the night ends.
Beyond the entertainment, the impact of the festival was impossible to miss. YES 101.7 FM had promised to give back, and it did just that. The raffle draw segment had the entire hall holding their breath in anticipation.
Prizes ranged from household items to electronics and even cash rewards — but the biggest moment came when a lucky winner walked away with One Million Naira credited to her account through Parallex Bank. The roar that followed was pure happiness — the kind that only genuine surprise and gratitude can produce.
And it didn’t stop there. So many others also went home with consolation prizes and amazing gifts, including home appliances, shopping vouchers, and other valuable items that brought smiles to their faces. It was a beautiful reminder that at the heart of YES 101 FM’s celebration lies a commitment to spreading joy to as many people as possible.
Speaking during the event, the Group Managing Director of 101.7 YES FM, Yemi Sonde, expressed deep fulfillment in the impact the festival continues to make and he appreciated the sponsors cum guests that made the day special.
“At YES 101.7 FM, we don’t just broadcast — we connect. We exist to inform, entertain, and most importantly, to impact lives. Seeing the joy on people’s faces today reminds me why we do this. It’s more than radio; it’s family,” he said.
That statement captured the essence of what the 10:17 Festival stands for — connection, culture, and community. For the station, it wasn’t about glamour or profit; it was about appreciation — an opportunity to look the audience in the eyes and say thank you in the most memorable way possible.
As the evening sun dipped and the lights dimmed to a golden glow, the energy at Mauve 21 hall didn’t wane. Dancers in traditional attires swirled to drumbeats, food vendors continued to serve steaming plates with laughter, and camera flashes painted the crowd in moments of pure joy. Everywhere you turned, there was a story — of culture proudly displayed, of unity celebrated, and of lives touched.
For many attendees, it wasn’t just a festival; it was an experience — a moment to reconnect with roots, meet favorite celebrities, and celebrate togetherness in a city known for its warmth and hospitality.
From the smiles on faces to the rhythm in every step, the 10:17 Festival has become more than an annual event — it’s now a symbol of Ibadan’s heartbeat, a bridge between tradition and modern celebration.
And, as YES FM continues to grow, one thing remains clear: their commitment to promoting culture and impacting lives is not a one-time gesture; it’s a lifestyle.
As the night drew to a close and the crowd slowly dispersed, the echoes of drums and laughter lingered in the air. People talked about their favorite moments — the music, the stars, the prizes, the connection. One could almost hear the unspoken promise: next year will be even bigger.
Indeed, the 10:17 Festival has become a celebration of identity — a reminder that when media, music, and culture join hands, something powerful happens.
In a world that’s moving fast, YES FM has found a way to make everyone pause, smile, and say, “This is ours”, the uniqueness in our frequency dial 101.7 Yes FM which was coined to be the 17th day in the 10th month of the year (October 17) a special day dedicated for poverty eradication in the world.
And that — the joy of belonging — is the true success of the 10:17 Festival.
