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By Rita Okoye
Afro-jazz artist and creative director Salako has officially unveiled his latest single, Dagunro, a nearly 12-minute musical composition that fuses traditional African rhythms with contemporary jazz, further cementing his reputation as one of the leading voices in Nigeria’s alternative music scene.
The single was launched at an exclusive listening event in Abuja, where guests were treated to the immersive composition ahead of its public release on major streaming platforms.
The event attracted a diverse audience comprising members of the music community, diplomats, cultural stakeholders and creative industry professionals. Among those in attendance were guests from the German, Austrian, and French embassies, as well as the French cultural community, alongside local creatives, friends, and supporters of the artist.
The title, Dagunro, is derived from a Yoruba expression with layered meanings. It can describe a formidable defender and advocate for the people, while also referring to something untouchable or inedible—symbolising resilience, strength and unwavering resolve.
An indigene of Osun State, Salako has earned recognition for blending diverse African musical traditions with contemporary jazz influences.
His career has taken him to stages across Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Poland, France, Nigeria and several West African countries, where he has showcased his unique sound to international audiences.
Beyond his work as a recording artist, Salako serves as the Artistic Director of the Abuja International AfroJazz Festival, an initiative dedicated to raising the profile of Afro-jazz across Africa, strengthening Nigeria’s live music ecosystem and creating a world-class festival platform that brings together local and international artists.
Speaking during the event, Salako also announced that the 2026 Abuja International AfroJazz Festival will hold from November 16 to 21, 2026.
According to him, the festival will continue to promote cross-cultural collaborations while positioning Afro-jazz as a globally recognised musical genre.
With Dagunro, Salako once again demonstrates his commitment to pushing creative boundaries, delivering a richly textured body of work that seamlessly blends innovation with cultural heritage. The single is now available on Spotify and other major digital music streaming platforms.
