Lagos | Nigeria | 22nd, September, 2025
Nigerian music icon and foremost African female talking drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa, popularly known as Ara, successfully hosted the second edition of her monthly music, culture, and dance showcase, “Ara Unfiltered 2.0.”
The exclusive event, held at KAP Hub, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday 21st, September , 2025 brought together a diverse audience of art enthusiasts, cultural connoisseurs, brand and culture advocates, mediaprenuers, and dignitaries for a night that celebrated the rich heritage of African music, culture and tradition.
The anchor of the night, MC Icewater Aruocha, a veteran OAP with Lagos Traffic Radio and compere with a difference took the event by her jugular from the beginning to the end.
Guests that came out to support Ara at the event include but not limited to Toyin Olokodana -James, Efe Mayford Orhorha, Bukola Thomas and Josiah Chuks representing the Nollywood corner. As usual with her infectious smile was Olori Atinuke (Ara’s good friend), Franklin Ozekhome (A Pop culture & Brand expert) was also in the house, Tosin Ajirire ( Former Group Entertainment Editor, The SUN now Publisher, Showbiz Afrika Magazine), Paul Uwagbai, a veteran Theatre Practitioner ( Co- Founder, Black Image Theatre and now Creative Director, TheatreMania Africa Festival), Alayande Stephen T.,(CEO, TheatreMania Africa Festival), Modella, a foremost Nigerian Fashionista Guru who has been supporting Ara’s project even till date with her outfit on the night, Previous Ezeh, a journalist who is a great fan of Ara, amongst many others were on ground to support Ara’s monthly gig.
The special guest of honour is no other person than Baba Araba Awo- Chief Yemi Elebuibon, a Yoruba culture and religion icon.
The night started with Abiodun Ajayi’s performance, the multiple instrumentalists serenaded the atmosphere with a smooth performance that waoowed the audience. He dazzled us with his Kitar strings display.
It was followed by a sensational performance by Ayandunni, an 11 year old girl playing a talking drum just like her mentor Ara. She set the mood that ushered in Ara’s unveiling for the night.
Ara’s performance was not just a musical set but a journey through history and emotion, with each beat telling a story.
A major highlight of the night was the presence of renowned Ifa priest and cultural icon, Baba Araba Yemi Elebuibon, who was the special guest of honor.
https://youtube.com/shorts/SlK03Y1lSGE?si=cEhVnXhJgOR3L6rQ
Baba Elebuibon, a custodian of Yoruba knowledge and tradition, joined Ara on stage for a special collaborative performance on Ara’s new single titled (Ase) meaning Authority, creating a truly unforgettable moment that merged ancestral wisdom with contemporary artistry. She performed it for the first time on stage while Baba Elebuibon poured libation on the song (Ase) and prayed not just for the audience but for the country and for peace in Africa.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ExtrYQs6W/
Ara’s second song titled (Omo Yoruba) was another blockbuster with the audience singing along and grooving to the rhythm.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17HYT6KSso/
The third song titled Lakiti has been her signature tune for years where she played and started with her talking drums.
She performed two other songs including a matured love song that got her back up dancers twerking.
Baba’s presence elevated the event, underscoring its commitment to cultural authenticity and preservation.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1LMBLykcTz/
Following the performance, Baba Elebuibon took center stage for the “Hot Spot” segment, where he graciously answered questions from the selected guests. He delved into various aspects of Yoruba culture, religion, and spirituality, offering profound insights and clarifications that left the audience in awe.
https://youtube.com/shorts/MDDL8b6Gbp8?si=vWvYjomTI_2PuRCM
His session was both educational and inspiring, serving as a powerful reminder of the deep well of knowledge that exists within African traditions.
Ara expressed her gratitude to the guests and particularly to Baba Araba Yemi Elebuibon for gracing the event. “Ara Unfiltered” is more than just a musical show; it’s a platform dedicated to celebrating our roots, bridging the gap between generations, and ensuring that our culture is not only preserved but also understood and appreciated. The collaboration with Baba Elebuibon today is a dream come true and a testament to the fact that our traditions are alive and relevant.” she proudly submitted.
She also appreciated the partnership and support of Nollywood finest Kunle Afolayan for making the venue KAP Hub available to her and for believing in the vision to celebrate our arts and culture through music and artistic expression such as this.
She called on brands, marketing directors and companies to come around, support and throw their weights behind cultural initiatives and performances like this so as to sustain our alternative sounds, our Africa culture and history.
The success of “Ara Unfiltered 2.0” reinforces Ara’s mission to use her music as a tool for cultural advocacy and education. The monthly series aims to provide a unique and intimate setting where art, history, and community conversation co-exist.
From our stable at Splash9ja.org, we congratulate Ara and her band for keeping the flag flying and maintaining the tempo of showcasing with pride our culture, our heritage, beautiful songs, African dance and drums.
We promise to continue to give more visibility to this project and other similar events that tends to promote the beauty of our culture, tradition and history via our online platform, on Splash9ja on TV & on our YouTube platforms.
So, if you miss out on the Ara Unfiltered 2.0, get your ticket to be part of the October 3.0 edition and you will be glad you did.
