By Florence Utor
Sensational Nigerian Musician, Davido and other Nigerian arts like Pasuma Wonder and Ara are set to engage their Indian counterparts at the forthcoming cultural event ‘Festival of India-Lagos’. The festival will hold August 13, 2016 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos. Other musicians billed to perform are India’s Anup Jalota, Sai Gargi and Yuvika Chaudhary, Sammie Okposo and Tee Mac.
Talented Nigerian drummer, Ara, will slug it out with one of the best drummers from India. The musical diva has confirmed her readiness for the musical ‘battle royale’. According to her, Nigerians are going be thrilled with the best of Ara. On the other hand, the Indian drummer has promised Nigerians and the international audience a rich exposition of the Indian musical tradition.
Former president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and Chairman of Festival of Indian-Lagos Planning Committee, Mr. Bolaji Rosiji, in a statement, said, “India is the fastest growing economy in the world and has the second largest SME network in the world. One of the objectives of this event is to revive the SME sector in Lagos State through a mutually beneficial development programme”.
Thousands of Nigerians and Indians as well as members of the diplomatic corps expected at the concert, will be thrilled by the rich musical experience of the globally acclaimed Emperor of Indian music, Anup Jalota, at the spectacular event. This rich cultural exchange is organised by the Indian diaspora in Lagos, with the support of MTN, Zee World, Gaurapad Charities amongst other notable corporate organizations and Lagos State Government.
This event also has the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and will showcase the best of India’s Bollywood and Nigeria’s Nollywood. Festival of India-Lagos will also be enriched by the participation of other renowned international and contemporary stars, dancers, dramatic artists, distinguished scholars and top government officials from India and Nigeria.
In his statement, Mr. Rosiji further said, ‘Anup Jalota is popularly known as the Emperor of Bhajans. He has won multiple awards globally and is coming to the festival with his full troupe. Anyone who has heard this tabla drum player knows it sounds just like thunder. Pasuma Wonder has promised that since he has ‘home advantage’ he would be at his most entertaining form to musically challenge the Indian stars and do Nigeria proud.’
According to Rosiji, “This Festival of India begins with a Chariot parade which usually takes place in major cities all over the world and attracts millions of tourists. The Chariot departs from CMS accompanied by Indian and Nigerian cultural troupes to arrive at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos where there will be an International Fair, Indo-Nigerian Cultural Expo and concert. This historical event promises to deepen and extend bilateral synergy and collaboration in various sectors – economic, cultural and diplomatic relations – between the two great countries”.
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