By Ayodeji M. Owolabi

Igbara-Oke, Headquarters of Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State is a peaceful and viable town. The serene town was on Monday 12, August, 2019 pervaded with excitement and carnival-like celebrations when the revered monarch, the Paramount Ruler and Prescribed Authority, Olowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, Ilufemiloye, (Ogidi III) celebrated the 2019 edition of Ijesu Olowa Festival, otherwise known as Olowa Yam Festival in Igbara-Oke.

Ijesu Olowa is one of the most celebrated festivals in the town and it has always been a moment of excitement when the people of a community gathered to celebrate their Ilufemiloye as he goes to farm to harvest new yam which marks yet another celebration of a New Yam season.

Igbara-Oke is a community with sixteen viable satellite towns and villages which are headed by Baales. It has forty-three quarters, and these quarters are being supervised by Olori-Omos.

This kind of celebration is a custom in Igbara-Oke, and New Yam festival is a norm in Yoruba land, which marks the beginning of the time set to eat yam. The time of this celebration may differ as it concerns different towns and communities. Nevertheless, the New Yam festival is never without traditions.

This year Yam festival started with high expectations in the early hour. The people of the town had prepared themselves very early in the morning to accompany His Royal Majesty to the farm. The Palace and the chiefs have set everything on top gear for the success of the festival. The Baales of these sixteen towns and villages and their subjects were also in attendance and the Olori-Omos of these forty-three quarters were also present.

The event which started around 7am from the Palace of the Olowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom, saw His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, Ilufemiloye, (Ogidi III) stepped out in a grand style in all white regalia to embark on a walk to the farm to harvest the new yams. The people, both the indigenes and non-indigene residents of the town expressed their love and affection for their own “Ilufemiloye”. Businessmen and women, traders and artisans, even members of the transport unions and commercial motorcyclist were not left out from among the people that accompanied His Royal Majesty to the farm.

As these were not enough, the Hausa traders were among the large crowd that joined in this celebration. Cultural groups, dance team, hunters and different shows was put to play during the over 3km walk to and from the farm. It was a display of Yoruba cultural heritage at its best.

The role played by the Oloris (Queens) and Omo-Owas (Princes and Princesses) from the Ruling Houses in Igbara-Oke cannot be over emphasized. The Council of Chiefs too were not left out at putting on their best efforts in the process of making this year Ijesu Olowa a success.

Year after year, there had been significance improvements and the gain this festival has brought to Igbara-Oke is immeasurable. Without gainsaying, this celebration cuts the attention of everyone in the town, including the passersby and people who were on transit had a stop-over to gaze at the display of our cultural heritage.

The Ijesu Olowa also came with different attractions as put together by the vibrant youths of the town. Traditional and Cultural dancers, Bikers, acrobatic stunts, among other display of our traditional heritage were showcased.

Many, who could not hide their emotion, expressed their feelings that there has been improvement of activities from the previous years. Some people also affirmed that previous celebrations have never been like this, and they are optimistic that the reign of Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede will usher in more goodies for the entire good people of Igbara-Oke, particularly, in the areas of agriculture.

There is no need to be surprised with the large crowd that accompanied Oba Agbede to the farm. This shows that the name and title “Ilufemiloye” (the people of the town want me on the throne) was really given to him by the good people of Igbara-Oke, who believed that the reign of Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede is indeed a Dawn of a New Era.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, while at the farm performing the traditional rites as the custom of the land, also, took time to pray for the town, her indigenes, residents and visitors. He also prayed for the continued peace, love and implored everyone to unite in the interest of the continued progress and development of the town.

While addressing the Media at the farm, Oba Agbede reiterated the importance of the Yam festival. He said the period is to appreciate God for bountiful harvest, and the process of the celebration is from time immemorial. The monarch said the new Yam festival is being celebrated all over the world, including the western countries, which we believed brought globalization to the entire world.

He said there is need to take cognizance of our culture and traditions, which he believes teaches morals and other good virtues. Oba Agbede said the place of religion stands, but our culture and tradition must not be discarded.

Oba Agbede said he is his committed towards the development and repositioning of Igbara-Oke kingdom. He urged the youth to venture more in agriculture and see it as a viable means of employment, and advised them to take advantage of numerous intervention and agricultural empowerment programmes that have been put in place by the government to improve their wellbeing.

He said he could not hide his joy that people could come out like that in their numbers despite the day being a market day and felicitate him on this great occasion. He said the reason for this new yam festival was to strengthen the bonds of unity of the indigenes and non-indigene residents of Igbara-Oke, and to seek the continued and unhindered peace, progress and prosperity.

He enjoined the youth to eschew all forms of violence and hatred, and embrace peace, unity and love, and see themselves as one family.

He therefore called on sons and daughters of Igbara-Oke in the Diaspora to always remember home with the ultimate goal of rebuilding and repositioning Igbara-Oke particularly in the area of culture and traditions, which is one of the resources we have that we can show to the world.

News

Chadreek Renews Recording Contract with UK-Based Label SauceBoi Music

Published

1 week ago

27th September 2026

Usman Oladuntoye

Nigerian Afrobeats artist Chadreek (born Salau Qudus Emiola) has officially renewed his recording contract with SauceBoi Music, the UK-based label that has played a pivotal role in his career development.

The renewed agreement reinforces the longstanding partnership between the artist and the label. It positions Chadreek for the next phase of his career with enhanced support across music production, distribution, marketing, and international expansion.

Known for his smooth vocal delivery and consistent output, Chadreek has steadily cultivated a dedicated following through standout records including Ori Mi (featuring Seyi Vibez), Better Dayz, Awure, and his earlier project No Bad Vibe. The renewed deal is expected to accelerate his momentum as he prepares new music and broadens his presence across Africa and global markets.

A source close to the camp confirmed that both parties are fully aligned on a clear vision for the artist’s next chapter, with a strong emphasis on high-quality releases and strategic growth.

This renewal marks another significant milestone in Chadreek’s journey as he continues to establish his place within the Afrobeats landscape.

About Chadreek
Chadreek is a Nigerian singer and songwriter signed to SauceBoi Music. He is recognised for his distinctive voice and a growing catalogue of Afrobeats records that blend melody, emotion, and street energy.

About SauceBoi Music
SauceBoi Music is a UK-based record label committed to developing and promoting talent across the Afrobeats and broader African music scenes.

Audio

YTJ Announces New Single “JO,”

Published

3 weeks ago

12th September 2026

Usman Oladuntoye

Rising Afro-fusion artist builds on the momentum of “Closer” with an energetic new release made for dance floors worldwide

Recoup Records announces the forthcoming release of “JO,” the new single from rising Afro-fusion artist YTJ, arriving on all major digital streaming platforms September 10, 2026.

The release follows the growing international success of YTJ’s previous single, “Closer,” which has generated more than 4 million combined YouTube views and surpassed 3 million audio streams within two months of release. The record has also received airplay across more than 70 radio stations and 30 television channels worldwide, while reaching No. 63 on YouTube Music in Nairobi, Kenya.

With “JO,” YTJ enters the next phase of his sound and creative direction.

Driven by infectious rhythm, vibrant production and an unmistakable celebratory energy, “JO” is an Afro-fusion record built for movement. The single pairs YTJ’s melodic approach with a polished, high-energy production designed to connect across clubs, parties, festivals and playlists globally.

The visual world surrounding the release reflects that same energy. Built around a striking red-lit aesthetic, the “JO” campaign presents a confident and elevated side of YTJ as he continues to expand his presence beyond his home market and reach new audiences internationally.

“My intention with ‘Closer’ was simply to make something that would connect with people, and the response went beyond what I imagined,” says YTJ. “With ‘JO,’ I wanted to take that energy somewhere new. This record is a celebration — and we’re just getting started.”»

“JO” arrives at a pivotal moment for YTJ. Following the momentum established by “Closer,” the new single signals an artist increasingly focused on creating music that bridges cultures while remaining rooted in the rhythm, melody and energy of contemporary African music.

For Recoup Records, the release represents another step in the label’s commitment to developing YTJ’s international profile and introducing his music to a broader global audience.

“JO” by YTJ is available across all major digital streaming platforms HERE

ABOUT YTJ

YTJ is an emerging Afro-fusion artist whose music blends contemporary African rhythms, melody and global influences. With a growing international audience and millions of streams and views across digital platforms, YTJ is building a sound and identity designed to travel beyond borders.

Following the international response to “Closer,” YTJ continues his next chapter with “JO,” expanding his creative vision while establishing himself as an emerging voice in the new generation of African music.

ABOUT RECOUP RECORDS

Recoup Records is an independent music company focused on artist development, music distribution and building globally competitive African talent. Through strategic releases, media partnerships and international promotion, the label works to connect its artists and music with audiences around the world.

Entertainment Gists

Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits?

Published

4 weeks ago

10th September 2026

manlikeakoh

Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶

Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.

The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.

And the big question now is:

Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂

Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.

One X user joked:

“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”

Another simply said:

“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”

But then came “Lembe.” 🔥

The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.

Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.

And it didn’t stop there.

‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED

On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.

One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.

From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.

Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:

Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥