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By Henry Akubuiro
Excitement is in the air for not just veteran musicians in Nigeria, contemporary artists but lovers of arts and entertainment. Preparations are in full swing for the opening and launch of Heritage Event Hall, an exquisitely designed concert/event hall where musicians of diverse genres of music can gather to entertain their fans and express their artistic prowess. It is also a place where people can walk in after a hard day’s work and listen to beautiful live music from top artists capable of soothing their nerves and lifting up their spirit.
It has been long in coming since the late music aficionado, Chief Femi Esho, the founding Chairman of Evergreen Musical company nursed the dream. Esho was also regarded as the largest collector of African music. It is hard to see any notable Nigerian musician whose works isn’t domiciled in the archives of Evergreen Musical company. Esho wanted to build a massive music empire, something like a stop shop for music lovers. It will consist of a music museum, music library, gallery showcasing Head Burst of Artistes, display of over 1,000 pictures of Nigerian musicians from 1914 and relics of their costumes/old musical instruments, an event centre for music concerts, cinema theatre, recording studio and so much more. Above all, it is expected to become a big tourist attraction centre for all enthusiasts of Nigerian music.
Almost two years after his demise, Esho’s dream is gradually coming to fruition. Though there is still a lot of work to be done in the massive project, Baba Esho has always held the event hall for concerts and live performances from musicians dear to his heart. This has been completed and ready to host activities now.
This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support and contributions of one of Nigeria’s most respected and globally renowned clergymen, Dr. DK. Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.
Olukoya was friends with Chief Esho and had followed the music trajectory of the former for decades. Dr. Olukoya is not just a first class graduate at Unilag, he is also a lover of good music with a vast knowledge of many music genres. He also believed in Esho’s dream, hence, his agreement to be Patron of the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation.
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Dr. Olukoya himself teaches music. He wrote his first song in 1976, and his church choir is widely regarded as one of the best in the world having won several international choir competitions in Europe and other parts of the world. So, the collaboration between both men was a perfect match.
According to Bimbo Esho, the Executive Secretary of the foundation, Dr. Olukoya’s financial and moral contributions to the realisation of the project and the completion of Heritage Event Hall have been invaluable, leading to the completion of the Heritage Event Hall. Dr. Olukoya did not only keep his pledge and promise made to his late friend as Patron of the foundation, it was gathered by Daily Sun that he also stood by the family during the painful passing of their father and subsequently in ensuring that the concert hall is ready for use.
According to Bimbo Esho, daughter of the late music aficionado, who also doubles as MD of Evergreen Musical company, “the Esho family remains eternally grateful to Dr. Olukoya for his unwavering financial support and fatherly love, we will never take his love for the family for granted.”
For music lovers who loved popular old hangouts of the 1960s such as Kakadu, Stadium Hotel, Ariya Spot, Miliki joints and others, the Heritage Event Hall for concerts, live performances and other activities is the right place to be. It promises to give Nigerian indigenous musicians a platform to be seen and be heard while offering the fans the opportunity to see them perform live.
The breathtaking ambience of the Heritage Event Hall and itts exquisite interior finishing make it such a marvel. It also has lodgings for late night performances, where artists and crew members can stay till dawn. However, the Eshos are looking forward to getting more support from the public and friends of the foundation towards the completion of the Studio, Exhibition Hall of Fame, Library, Theatre Space, all under one roof, which they hope would be a tourist destination when completed.
Meanwhile, the Heritage Event Hall can also host other activities such as album launches, listening parties, corporate dinners and gala nights, film and documentary screenings.
The hall is also available for cultural forums and lectures, birthdays and milestone celebrations, memorial and thanksgiving services, workshops, master classes, and rehearsals.
