Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government supported the hosting of fast-rising musician, Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, to a homecoming concert, to promote the music industry in the state.
The event was organised by Adozi Empire Limited and Banksx Entertainment in conjunction with EdoFEST and the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs.
Other partners are Dapper Live and Engraced Events and Entertainment. The concert is arguably one of the biggest music concerts in Benin City in recent times.
The team comprising Adozi Empire, Banksx Entertainment and Engraced Event and Entertainment, had a dinner with the governor at the Government House Lodge.
Speaking at the Homecoming concert, the Governor highlighted the pivotal role of Edo youths in driving Africa’s creative engine, emphasizing the need for platforms which will aid young talents in the state to showcase their innate skills and abilities, ensuring a vibrant future for the state.
Asserting Edo’s reinvigorated stance as a hub for top-tier artists, Governor Obaseki lauded Shallipopi’s success as a beacon of inspiration for upcoming artists in the state, emphasizing the potential in the streets of Edo.
“I want to let young people know that Edo is back and they do not have to leave Edo to get the best in the world. Some of the best artists today in Nigeria and Africa are coming from Edo.
“This is Shallipopi; he is perhaps Nigeria’s number one artist today and he is from Edo. Imagine how many more Shallipopis are out here in the streets of Edo. So for us tonight, he is here as an inspiration and to encourage a lot of young people in Edo, to make them know that they too can make it.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Adozi Empire Limited, Mr. Adozi Onyeka, said the concert was held to connect Shallipopi with fans in his home city after a successful year in which he emerged as one of Nigeria’s most sought-after artists.