By Dipo Olowookere
A paramount Egba traditional ruler, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, who is the Alake of Egbaland, has charged the 10 contestants selected to the final stage of Ariya Repete to see the contest as an opportunity to enhance their skills in order to become future superstars.
He also stated that the immense contribution of Goldberg, from the stables of Nigerian Breweries Plc, in promoting the cultural values of the South West and in youth empowerment, has placed it as the best brand that should be desired by people in the region, especially in Abeokuta.
The monarch made this assertion when staff of Nigerian Breweries Plc paid a courtesy visit to his palace in Abeokuta before the commencement of the semi-final concert of Ariya Repete which was held in Abeokuta on July 14, 2017.
The visit was also as a mark of respect for the traditional authority which the monarch controls.
While receiving the gifts presented to him by the team from Nigerian Breweries, Oba Gbadebo said Ariya Repete is a laudable initiative and that the contestants should see the platform as an opportunity to enhance their skills to become famous Fuji and Juju musicians and also create wealth for themselves.
The Egba traditional leader also urged the handlers of Goldberg not to relent in their support and respect for the cultural values of the people of the South West as demonstrated in the sponsorship of open festivals and felicitation with traditional rulers in the region.
Speaking during the visit, the Public Affairs Manager, West/Midwest, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Tayo Adelaja, said Goldberg, also known as “Your Excellency,” is keen in promoting the cultural values of the people of the South West and also in reducing the rate of unemployment rate among youths hence it embarked on Ariya Repete.
He stated that Goldberg’s musical concert was expanded to include Juju music which is also popular in Yorubaland in order to pave way for existing and upcoming artistes to develop their talent, like their Fuji counterparts in previous Fuji T’o Bam concerts.
Mr Adelaja explained that the move is aimed at having a large pool of skilled musicians in both genres of music.
He further stated with three artistes from Egbaland in the semi-final stage shows that there are talents that should be nurtured for the development of the region.
