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The Lagos State Government joined cultural icons, dignitaries, and music lovers on Thursday evening at Alliance Française Lagos for “Ara Live – 25 Years of Rhythm,” a landmark concert celebrating renowned talking drum virtuoso Aralola Olamuyiwa.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, used the occasion to reaffirm the state’s commitment to strengthening culture and the creative economy.
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He noted that Lagos continues to prioritise investments that preserve cultural heritage while creating opportunities for creatives.
According to him, the state committed ₦8.4 billion to the creative sector in 2025, a significant increase from ₦3.8 billion before 2023, covering concerts, training programmes, and production support across music and film.
“In Lagos, music is not just entertainment, it is an economic infrastructure,” the governor stated, highlighting the vision to position the state as Africa’s leading creative hub.
Sanwo-Olu also paid tribute to Ara’s journey, noting how she broke cultural barriers by embracing the traditional Yoruba talking drum gángan in 2000, an instrument historically dominated by men. Today, her influence has inspired over 1,000 female drummers across Nigeria and beyond.
Ara, a cultural diplomacy ambassador recognised by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and appointed by the Ooni of Ife, has performed on global stages, sharing platforms with international stars such as Stevie Wonder.
The event also drew notable dignitaries, including Abiola Dosunmu, adding prestige to a night that celebrated not just a musical milestone, but the growing influence of Nigeria’s creative industry on the global stage.
