A Night to Remember: 70 Years of Music in Nigeria Flag-Off Dinner
The 70 Years of Music in Nigeria exhibition had its official flag-off dinner at the iconic John Randle Centre for Yorùbá Culture & History in Lagos. The event brought together an eclectic mix of individuals—industry heavyweights, culture enthusiasts, historians, and young creatives—bonded by a shared love for the rich tapestry of Nigerian music.
The highlight of the evening was a stirring speech by Yinka Obebe, CEO of Popcentral and Chief Curator of the exhibition. Obebe eloquently took the audience on a journey through the essence of the exhibition, emphasizing not just the nostalgia of Nigerian music but also its dynamic evolution. He highlighted the importance of bridging generational gaps, ensuring that even Gen Z—the TikTok-savvy, beat-hungry youth—could connect with and appreciate the rich legacy of Nigerian music.
“It’s more than just memories,” he said. “This is about preserving our history, understanding where we come from, and using that knowledge to shape our future.”
Jide Taiwo, a fellow curator for 70YMN, raised a thought-provoking point about the limitations of documenting history solely through social media. “Afrobeats has gone global, but how do we ensure its story is told accurately and not reduced to fleeting Instagram posts and tweets on X?” he asked. His words resonated with the room, sparking conversations about sustainable documentation and the role of physical exhibitions like this in preserving cultural heritage.
The dinner wasn’t just a celebration; it was a hub for networking, a place where visionaries and enthusiasts could exchange ideas about Nigeria’s musical journey and the future.
As the night wore on, guests marveled at the sneak peeks into the upcoming exhibition, slated to run from December 18th to 24th. Promising to be a week-long immersion into Nigerian music history, the exhibition will feature an engaging town hall session, immersive experiences, and performances that trace the evolution of Nigerian music from highlife to afro beats and beyond. With preparations for the 70 Years of Music in Nigeria exhibition in full swing, the flag-off dinner set a high bar for what is to come. From the passion of its curators to the enthusiastic response of its attendees, this celebration is shaping up to be an unforgettable journey into the heart of Nigeria’s cultural soul.
