Lagos set for 8 days of non-stop celebrations in five locations

The Lagos state government is set to host “a better, bigger and bolder edition of the popular One Lagos Fiesta” across the five divisional zones.

The series of concerts will start from Christmas eve on Saturday, December 24.

Steve Ayorinde, commissioner for information and strategy, in a statement, said the concerts will hold in Ikeja, Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry and Lagos Island.

The fiesta will run daily from 12 midday to 12 midnight, with the first six hour dedicated to entertainment for children.

Guests will be treated to the best of musical entertainment, cultural displays, comedy and cuisine from the state.

Ayorinde said the fiesta would feature performances by Olamide, Phyno, Tiwa Savage, 2Face, MI, Kiss Daniel, Reminisce, Falz, Adekunle Gold, Yemi Alade, Seyi Shay, Patoranking, Humble Smith and Tekno, as well as renowned disc jockeys and stand-up comedians.

He said: “Firstly, the duration of the fiesta is longer this year. Instead of the five days of last year, Lagosians will have eight days of fun and camaraderie.

“Secondly, there will be space and reward for new, up and coming talents across the five zones. We have already had a very successful audition where 50 successful candidates out of 999 individuals were picked from each of the zones, making 250 finalists in total.

“They will have the opportunity to perform on the same stage as the superstars that will be featured this year. Two finalists will emerge from each zone by Friday the 30th of December. Those lucky 10 will then slug it out at the grand finale of OLF at the Eko Atlantic stage with three winners that will be rewarded handsomely.

“More importantly, this year’s fiesta has a broader base of artistes, beyond hip-hop and contemporary music. There will be more traditional troupes and local artistes from each zonal division and the fiesta will welcome participation from non-hip hop superstars such as King Sunny Ade, Chief Ebenezer Obey, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1), Sir Shina Peters, Queen Salawa Abeni, Lagbaja, Adewale Ayuba, Abass Akande Obesere and Sulaimon Adio Atawewe who will grace the fiesta for the first time.”

“The beauty of One Lagos Fiesta is the fact that as a creative economy in all the five divisions of the state is being developed, residents also have the opportunity to watch several superstars that they only see on televisions or would have spent a fortune to watch in Lagos Island or Ikeja for free.”

Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos governor, is expected to attend the concerts in each of the zones.

The commissioner further noted that there would be adequate security measures and emergency medical services in place throughout the duration of the fiesta.