Entertainment
Ewi Chanting Lights Up Scottish Event Stages and Blends Yoruba Culture Across Borders
Ewi Chanting Lights Up Scottish Event Stages and Blends Yoruba Culture Across Borders
Ewi chanting is a powerful cultural genre of spoken-word poetry unique to the Yoruba people of West Africa. Rooted deeply in folklore, ancestry, and history, Ewi is more than performance—it is a living archive of Yoruba identity. Through rhythm, memory, and poetic expression, Ewi chanters preserve stories of families, lands, traditions, and the spiritual worldview of the Yoruba people.
Often categorised as folk art, Ewi chanting draws from myths, legends, genealogy, and historical events. It connects generations by retelling ancestral bravery, supernatural encounters, royal lineages, and communal values. In this way, Ewi chanters serve as cultural custodians, ensuring that oral traditions remain alive in a rapidly modernising world.
The Role of the Ewi Chanter
Ewi chanters play an important role in Yoruba society. Their performances are central to significant life events and communal gatherings such as cultural festivals, weddings, birthdays, naming ceremonies, and other people-centred celebrations. A key element of Ewi chanting is oríkì—praise poetry that honours individuals, families, and ancestral lineages.
To heighten emotional connection and audience engagement, Ewi chanters often blend chanting with traditional drumming and orin ìlú (traditional songs). This fusion transforms storytelling into an immersive experience, encouraging listeners to resonate deeply, dance, and relive shared memories. The result is a vibrant performance that bridges spoken word, music, and movement.
Ewi Chanting Beyond West Africa
Once largely confined to Yoruba communities in Nigeria and neighbouring regions, Ewi chanting has now travelled beyond the shores of West Africa into Europe and North America. As Yoruba people migrate globally, they carry their cultural heritage with them, allowing Ewi chanting to evolve within diaspora communities.
Today, Ewi chanting is gaining visibility in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. In these spaces, it serves both as cultural preservation and cultural dialogue—blending Yoruba traditions with contemporary artistic platforms.
Lighting Up Scottish Stages
In Scotland, Ewi chanting has begun to command attention on major cultural stages. Spoken-word poetry performer and Ewi chanter Omolara Seweje, popularly known as Olori Seweje, has been instrumental in this cultural movement. Through her performances, she has brought Ewi chanting to prestigious platforms such as The Black Scottish Awards, as well as radio features on Jambo Radio Scotland.
Olori Seweje’s work represents a powerful fusion of heritage and modern expression. By introducing Ewi chanting to award stages, radio audiences, and multicultural events, she is ensuring that Yoruba culture is not only preserved but celebrated and recognised across borders.
Digital Platforms and Cultural Memory
Beyond live performances, many Ewi chanters now use social media platforms to showcase their skills. Through short videos, live sessions, and event recordings, Ewi chanting reaches younger generations and global audiences. These performances often evoke nostalgia—taking listeners down memory lane and reconnecting them with their roots, ancestral courage, and the spiritual depth of Yoruba history.
Ewi Chanting in the Diaspora
As migration continues, Ewi chanters play a vital role in balancing cultural ecosystems across the globe. Their presence in diaspora communities helps maintain Yoruba cultural identity while also encouraging cultural exchange. Ewi chanting becomes a bridge—blending Yoruba traditions with other cultures, fostering understanding, and enriching multicultural spaces.
In essence, Ewi chanters are cultural ambassadors. They carry the poetic heritage of the Yoruba people wherever they go, ensuring that language, history, and ancestral wisdom continue to thrive in new lands.
A Living Tradition
Ewi chanting is not a relic of the past; it is a living, evolving art form. From village squares in West Africa to award stages and radio stations in Scotland, Ewi continues to adapt while remaining rooted in tradition. Through the voices of modern chanters like Olori Seweje and many others, Yoruba culture shines—crossing borders, blending cultures, and reminding the world of the power of spoken heritage.
Why Everyone Is Talking About GICANA: The New Nigerian Drama Shaking YouTube
A powerful new Nigerian drama, GICANA, has made its debut during the Yuletide season, sending a strong social message while keeping audiences glued to their screens. The film, now streaming on Mustapha Sholagbade Television (MSTV) on YouTube, explores the dangerous consequences of transacting one’s body for money, portraying it as a risky game with far-reaching emotional and moral implications.
Produced by Almatin Limited, GICANA is directed by the creative duo of Olayemi Adeodu and Ayanbode Simon. The directors bring depth and realism to the story, carefully unpacking themes of desperation, survival, greed, and the silent battles faced by individuals pushed to the edge by circumstance.
The movie, which was shot in Canada and Nigeria, boasts a rich ensemble of industry talents who delivered compelling performances, including Remi Surutu, Dotun Adebanjo, Mustapha Sholagbade, Bukola Kiitan, Temidayo (Starboy), Dare Melody, Jumoke Fadipe, Queen Blessing Ebigieson, Adejoke Adesokan, and several others. Their performances added emotional weight and authenticity to the storyline, making GICANA both engaging and thought-provoking.
Behind the scenes, the production quality of GICANA stands out. Cinematography was handled by Director Keny and Abiodun Bukola, while Mr Perfect served as script supervisor. Sound was recorded by Idrissound, with lighting by Tomcity. Makeup was expertly done by Ifeoluwa Adejumo, and Muhammed Hussein brought the film’s environments to life as set designer.
Released at a time traditionally associated with celebration and reflection, GICANA uses the Yuletide season to challenge viewers to think deeply about societal pressures and the hidden dangers of quick money. The film is already generating conversations online, with viewers praising its message, performances, and strong moral undertone.
With its timely release and compelling narrative, GICANA is more than just a movie, it is a cautionary tale and a must-watch drama for audiences seeking meaningful African storytelling this new year.
Entertainment
From the Streets to the Global Stage: Why Everyone Is Talking About Shanko Rasheed Right Now
From the Streets to the Global Stage: Why Everyone Is Talking About Shanko Rasheed Right Now
Shanko Rasheed’s rise has been gaining steady attention, quietly positioning him as a strong force in the Fuji-Afrobeat space. At a time when trends change overnight, Shanko’s approach remains solid real music, real stories, and a clear sense of where he’s coming from and where he’s headed.
Without any doubt, the work he has been putting in is now reflecting in a big way. No noise, no shortcuts, just consistency and growth. His latest album, Bitter Truth, captures his journey so far, touching on real-life experiences, lessons learned, and the realities behind the grind. It’s a project that speaks honesty and depth, staying true to his roots while embracing a modern sound.
Outside the studio, Shanko’s music is crossing borders. After strong appearances in the UK, he has taken the same energy to the United States, performing for diverse audiences and introducing new listeners to his sound. These international moves are proof that his music travels well and that his message connects, no matter the location.
As his fan base continues to grow and his presence expands globally, Shanko isn’t just chasing moments, but building a name that’s here to stay.
LIB EDITH Shines With Gbedu Best Reggae Artiste Award
Sensational reggae act, LIB EDITH has officially been recognized as the Gbedu Best Reggae Artiste nationwide, an award presented by the Labour Research and Training Services Entertainment, marking a major milestone in his musical journey.
Receiving the Gbedu Best Reggae Artiste Award is a strong endorsement of his impact within the reggae space and the broader music industry. It reflects the hard work, discipline, and passion that have defined his talent over time, as well as the growing acceptance of his sound across the globe. The recognition has sparked conversations online, pushing the artiste into the spotlight and making his name trend across different platforms.
Known for staying true to the roots of reggae while giving it a modern voice, LIB EDITH has steadily carved out his place in the industry with his kind of music which has earn him respect from listeners who value depth, originality and authenticity.
This recognition by Labour Research and Training Services Entertainment further positions LIB EDITH as a leading voice in contemporary reggae music, with a promising future ahead. As he continues to evolve creatively, this award stands as both a celebration of how far he has come and a signal of greater achievements yet to unfold.
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