… to celebrate the legacies of Adebayo Kuroloja
The Central Planning Committee of Ketewa Festival has announced Wednesday December 27, 2023 as the grand finale of this year’s edition of the annual event.
Ketewa is Idanre’s indigenous festival of arts and culture, exclusively committed to cultural revival and promotion of creative achievements.
It has, in the last four years, carved a niche for itself as an annual gathering of Idanre sons and daughters; a veritable platform to celebrate unity in the communities and the uniquely diverse rich cultural heritage of Idanre land.
The theme for Ketewa Festival 2023 is ADEBAYO KUROLOJA: 41 YEARS AFTER. IDANRE FOLK MUSIC IN FOCUS.
A statement by the apex planning committee says this year’s festival will be dedicated to the memories of the late woro musician, Adebayo Kuroloja who died on August 1, 1982 at the age of 54.
He was buried on August 14, at Atosin, Idanre. 41 years after his death, Kuroloja’s music continues to rock major social and cultural events in and outside Idanre. Not only that, there are many new folk singers who pattern their music after Kuroloja.
And by a stroke of providence, his son, Adesina Omo Oja, plays exactly like his father.
A major highlight of the event is the star performance of Adesina Omo Oja at the grand finale.
Ketewa is not only about cultural music, it is also a night of praise and applause for outstanding indigenes who are adding values to Idanre.
For this year’s edition, Honourable Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso, Member representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Honourable (Princess) Tosin Ogunlowo Ajirotutu will be celebrated as Idanre stars in the State and National Assemblies.
In the same vein, Mr Victor Agosile, founder of BLUE CHILLIES will also be honoured for bringing a multi million naira super market to Idanre.
Also to be honoured is Prince Kayode Aroloye, former chairman Idanre Local Government and now pioneer chairman of Idanre Central Local Council Development Area, LCDA, for his long standing support for Ketewa festival since inception.
Similarly, Prince Seyi Olumagba, CEO of Agrocentric Limited, for pioneering sponsorship of Orosun cultural events in Idanre .
Can anyone ignore the woman who takes Idanre’s name to the national level among market women ? Ketewa Festival will also honour Chief (Princess) Nike Aroloye-Akingboye, the Iyaloja general of Idanre Kingdom, the Iyaloja general of Ondo State and national vice president of Oloja of Nigeria.
To complete the cycle of the riveting festival, there will also be traditional poetry recitation _Ogboogodo_ , not leaving out engrossing games like Ayo Olopon, Aarin and table tennis.
