…as Shallipopi hosts homecoming show at Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage
By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Not until Governor Godwin Obaseki assumed office in 2016, Edo State, often hailed as Nigeria’s artistic and cultural nucleus, experienced a decline in its creative prowess. The entertainment industry suffered neglect, prompting young talents in the state to seek opportunities elsewhere, feeling unappreciated in their homeland.
The Obaseki administration however birthed the MEGA agenda, with a focus on reviving Edo’s lost glory. Central to this agenda was the rejuvenation of arts, culture, and tourism, marking a pivotal moment for the state’s creative landscape.
Under this vision, Governor Obaseki championed various youth-centred initiatives within the creative sector, equipping young talents with essential tools, resources, and platforms to nurture their abilities. A prominent stride in this endeavor was the establishment of the world-class Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and soundstage, empowering artists and filmmakers alike.
The recent Homecoming Concert hosted by Shallipopi at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, on December 29th 2023, stands as a testament to this commitment.
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.
According to Obaseki: “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.”
Thanking the Governor for his hospitality and commitment to boosting the creative industry in the state, Crown Uzama, professionally known as Shallipopi, expressed his excitement being home, assuring fans of a great show ahead. According to him, “I feel great and excited. It is going to be a shutdown; go get your ticket and let us party.”
The Governor’s dedication to youth empowerment and creative talent is evident through initiatives pioneered by his administration, including the Edo Film Festival, Enina Theatre Festival, Edo Youth Concerts, and the Edo State Gospel Art and Creative Festival/Award (EdoGoF), among others.
Recent events hosted by acclaimed artists like Johnny Drille and Porcupine at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage further underscore Edo’s artistic resurgence under Governor Godwin Obaseki’s watch.
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