Bimbo Esho, The Creative Genius And Ariya Eko

By Henry Akubuiro

“Bimbo is aware that cultural preservation alone cannot pay the company’s bills, which is why the company has been exploring avenues to remain afloat. Its massive project, the Evergreen Music Heritage Centre, caters to both cultural preservation and moneymaking ventures”

Urbane, chic and visionary, Bimbo Esho is the managing director of Evergreen Musical Company Limited. She also functions as an entrepreneur, cultural activist, and music promoter. Her Evergreen Musical Company is constructing the Evergreen Music Heritage Centre, which promises to be Africa’s greatest music museum, located in Anthony Village, Lagos.

The ravishing beauty currently working on a new project, Ariya Eko, an idea born from a deep “desire to celebrate and recognise the rich, vibrant and nostalgic musical culture and heritage of Lagos, both in its traditional roots and contemporary form,” she said in a recent interview. She admitted that had always been the heartbeat of Nigeria’s music, hence, it became important to create a platform where this heritage could be showcased in all its glory.

“The highlights of planning it have been seeing different generations come together with excitement, and watching people reconnect with sounds that remind them of where we are coming from, while also appreciating how far we have gone,” she told Daily Sun in a chat.

Over the years, Evergreen Musical Company has been celebrating music icons who laid the foundation for the global appreciation of Nigerian music today, especially through Afrobeats. She has been motivated by the strong desire to celebrate those who would have been forgotten into the doldrums of history if nothing was done.

“Our icons paved the way, and it is only right to preserve their legacies and keep them as part of our collective memory. It gives me joy to know that I am playing a part in ensuring that the names and works of our musical pioneers live on long after they are gone,” she told Daily Sun.

For years, Bimbo understudied her father, Femi Esho, Nigeria’s foremost music collector and founding Chairman, Evergreen Musical Company. The latter died last year, aged 77. His legacy has been carried on by Bimbo, who conceded, “I learnt so much from him, and those lessons still guide me.” He also taught her humility, kindness, loyalty, and decency.Above all: “From him, I learnt that preserving culture is not just about keeping records; it is about embodying the values of the culture you are trying to protect. Watching him dedicate his life to archiving Nigerian music taught me patience and passion, because the work is never glamorous, but it is priceless”.

Again, “His dream was to see a place where everything he had preserved for posterity would, one day, be accessible to the world. My hope is to bring that dream to life through the Heritage Centre and other projects, while also building my own legacy as someone who carried his torch forward and added my own light to it.”

In his lifetime, Femi Esho sought to immortalise the music genres of Highlife, Juju, Sakara, Apala, Afrobeat and other Nigerian and African indigenous music genres.” Perhaps Esho’s greatest legacy was establishing the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation, created to preserve and safeguard musical heritage. Today, Bimbo is saddled with the responsibility of steering the wheels of its progress.“It has been a fulfilling journey so far,” she noted.

“Under my leadership, we have continued to make a meaningful impact in society by ensuring that music preservation does not fade into oblivion. We have expanded our reach, improved our collections, and created awareness about the importance of preservation. The task of keeping musical works intact takes passion, consistency and resilience, and I am grateful that we have remained a trusted custodian of Nigeria’s rich musical heritage.”

Archiving the collected music in her father’s custody presented a big challenge when the company set out, which is now a thing of the past. “The biggest challenge we faced initially was storage —having a secure and proper space to keep the large volume of musical works in our custody. That could have hindered progress.“But, thankfully, it was resolved, thanks to Dr. D.K. Olukoya (General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries), who showed an invested interest in our project. He believed in the vision and supported us by ensuring we got a befitting space as a music archive. His intervention made a world of difference, and it remains one of the turning points in our journey.”

Bimbo is aware that cultural preservation alone cannot pay the company’s bills, which is why the company has been exploring avenues to remain afloat. Its massive project, the Evergreen Music Heritage Centre, caters to both cultural preservation and moneymaking ventures. She told Daily Sun: “Having been in the industry for over 21 years, I can authoritatively say that Nigeria is in urgent need of a music archive. That is the vision behind the Evergreen Music Heritage Centre.

“By the time we are done, it will be one of the most important cultural landmarks in Nigeria. It will be a place where anyone can trace our musical history from 1914 to the present day; not only by word of mouth, but with tangible pictures and music evidence. I want future generations to walk into the centre and feel the soul of Nigerian music come alive before their eyes.” The centre also has a rented space for public use.

Bimbo frowns at the way we treat documentation in Nigeria. “A lot is missing,” she cried. “We do not have enough structured systems in place for proper documentation. However, we must acknowledge and appreciate individuals and groups who, in their own little ways, have been making genuine efforts to celebrate our icons. But beyond personal initiatives, there is a need for government and institutional involvement to make this a national priority.

Bimbo rates making impact more than any other thing. This is her greatest motivation. “The people around me keep me going. You need to see the kind of encouragement I get daily. That alone gives me the strength to continue, because it shows that I am making an impact. I am also eternally grateful to my parents for raising me right and teaching me to stay focused and committed to my purpose. Their guidance remains my strongest motivation.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, will honour living legends at Ariya Eko 2025 scheduled for Sunday, October 5, at the Shell Hall, Muson Center, Lagos.

Among the distinguished honourees are Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey (84), King Jossy Friday (85), General Kollington Ayinla (76), Elder Tunde Kelani (77), Evangelist J.A. Adelakun (Amona), Gharikowu’ Lemi (69), Ola Balogun (80), Pa Ajobiewe (69), Sir Emma Ogosi (83), Evangelist Dr Funmi Aragbaiye (70), Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli (77), Admiral Dele Abiodun (77), Laolu Akins (78), Stella Monye (64), Dr. Mrs. D.A. Fasoyin (85), and Uncle Toye Ajagun (80).

A special highlight of the night will be the “Do You Remember Segment”, where younger musicians will revive the timeless classics of these icons, recreating their artistry as it was in their prime.

Previewing the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said Ariya Eko reinforced Lagos’ position as a custodian of African cultural heritage.

By spearheading Ariya Eko 2025, the state governor is demonstrating his respect for creativity and ensuring Nigeria’s cultural pathfinders receive due honour while alive

Culled from The Sun