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Kayokayo Festival is the biggest cultural event in Epe, Lagos.
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The 2023 edition kicked off on Friday, July 28, 2023, and wrapped up on Saturday, August 5, 2023.
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The weeklong festival witnessed a rich variety of Epe’s cultural excellence.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the 2023 Epe Kayokayo festival has climaxed with an array of special, cultural performances, from various groups and singers like popular Fuji singer, Sulaimon Alao Malaika, better known as KS1 Malaika.
The Fanti carnival and special reception on Saturday, August 5, 2023, wrapped up a one-week celebration of culture and unity that included a Quranic recitation contest, novelty match, youth rally, and children’s party, amongst others.
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The Grand Finale’s festivities began with the splendid Epe Kayokayo and Fanti carnival processions, showcasing a dazzling array of colourful costumes and joyous music.
Fanti carnival had various groups from different areas in Lagos. They included Epetedo, Isale-Eko, Lafiaji, Okepopo, Campus, Olowogbowo, and Okofaaji groups.
The leader of Isale-Eko Fanti group told Eko Hot Blog that the carnival is one of the ways to sow the rich cultural heritage of Lagos Island, adding that his group members were in Epe because the King Kosoko who came to Epe was from Lagos Island.
He noted that Epe and Lagos Island share same cultural heritage, and since Kayokayo is a means of remembering the time King Kosoko came to Epe, they also came to join in the celebration.
The Epe carnival procession consisted of various wards in the Epe division, excluding Oke-Oba/Popo-Oba.
The procession wove through the heart of Epe, starting from the First Epe Central Mosque in Oke-Balogun and stopping at Marina Waterfront for an unforgettable reception.
As the sun dipped beyond the horizon, the Fanti carnival regaled attendees with captivating performances, a prelude to the local wards’ equally enthralling showcases.
Amid the rhythmic beats and choreographed dances, the Epe wards – Bado-Isale, Bado-Oke, Isale-Agoro, Oke-Iposun/Lagbade, and Oke-Balogun – presented their cultural essence to a captivated audience.
Their performances resulted in Bado-Isale claiming the top spot, followed by Oke-Balogun, and Bado-Oke, securing the second and third places, respectively. Isale-Agoro and Oke-Iposun/Lagbade earned the fourth and fifth positions, rounding off the lineup.
Musical artists such as Dammy Green, David Young, and Dammy Rex also graced the stage with exhilarating performances. Seamans Schnapps, a sponsor of the event, even added their unique flair to the festivities with an engaging dance.
After several cultural performances, the festival transitioned into the evening’s reception, which was officiated by Princess Olawunmi Jegede, along with M.C Lala and Kakalistiq Media.
The event commenced with a prayer from the Grand Chief Imam of Epe, Sadallah Abdulrahman Abiola Aliru, followed by a warm welcome to guests. Otunba T.J Abass, the festival’s coordinator, extended his gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, and contributors.
He commended the unity of the community and the exceptional dedication of the organising committee.
Traditional Prime Minister Alhaji Chief Akanni Adio Oduola, the Mogaji-Ngeri of the Epe kingdom, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing collaboration and extending heartfelt prayers.
The occasion’s Chairman, Engineer Rasheed Adebola Shabi, expressed excitement at the festival’s success and the enduring commitment of all involved. He promised an even grander spectacle in the next year.
The evening witnessed an engaging fish-eating competition, a unique display of skill and tenacity.
Thereafter, the Olu-Epe of the Epe kingdom, Oba Dr. Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, and his chiefs illuminated the famous Etufu, symbolizing unity and continuity.
The king expressed his gratitude and prayed for blessings for all amid cheers and applause.
Hon. Wale Raji, a member of the Federal House of Representatives, seized the opportunity to thank the people of Epe and promised unwavering dedication.
As the event drew to a close, King Malaika, the guest artist, serenaded the attendees with sweet melodies.
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The gathering boasted notable guests, including Hon. Raji, Chief Akanni Bamu Seriki, Engineer Adebola Shabi Professor Nosiru Onibon, Chief Adio Oduola, Prince Abiola Kosoko, Chief Munirideen Adetunji Atepete, Chief Muyideen Adebola Shobaloju, Chief Musliu Adeniyi Kadri Odedeogboro, and many others.
See more photos from the Epe carnival procession at the Epe Kayokayo festival grand finale below:
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