Entertainment
Cash “Aye-ko-ooto” Onadele: A Roaring African Voice Calling for Change through the Arts
Cash “Aye-ko-ooto” Onadele: A Roaring African Voice Calling for Change through the Arts
By Bolaji Israel
Sahara Weekly Reports That The arts and their promoters have long served as powerful voices for inspiring and enforcing radical changes across social, political, economic, and cultural landscapes.
Nigeria, and Africa more broadly, has suffered from poor leadership characterised by corruption, nepotism, widespread poverty, stunted development, inequality, loss of identity, erosion of cultural values, and a troubling craving for foreign lifestyles, among other social maladies.
These issues have marred the promising trajectory of a nation with over 200 million people, rich in both natural and human resources, especially since the onset of its current fourth democratic era in 1999.
One of the literary voices leveraging the power of the arts—particularly drama—to inspire change in Nigeria and Africa is Cash Akinyemi Onadele, also known as Aye-ko-Ooto. He is a prolific writer and a culture-aware philosopher, poet, and playwright.
His passion for literature was nurtured by his childhood experiences with his farmer grandparents, who filled his early years with captivating stories. This foundation sparked his interest in literature, and despite earning a Master’s degree in Agronomy, he ultimately found his voice in the realm of the arts.
Onadele firmly believes that the erosion of cultural identity has distorted the mindset of many Nigerians, leading them to embrace foreign influences—revised histories, religions, lifestyles, foods, music, and addictions—instead of the indigenous practices that have proven their worth for centuries before European colonisation.
Through his art, he passionately calls on Africans to return to their roots and heritage as a critical first step towards achieving comprehensive social and economic development. He asserts that a lost mind, devoid of identity, cannot effectively contribute to nation-building.
Despite spending considerable time in Europe and America gaining valuable experience and writing extensively, Onadele has remained true to his African roots, a theme that permeates his impressive body of literary work, which includes over 109 collections of plays, poetry, and prose.
His latest play, “Eni Ogun” (The Noble Warrior), produced with the support of the business sector led by FirstBank, was performed in July across Lagos and Ogun States at iconic venues such as the Muson Centre in Lagos Island and the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, in celebration of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
Through the play, Aye-ko-ooto not only celebrates Soyinka’s artistic exploits but also tackles critical issues of leadership, identity crisis, culture, values, class, history, and corruption in Nigeria through the lens of history, aligning with Soyinka’s radical ideologies.
The protagonist—a representation of Professor Soyinka—is the young and charismatic Oluwole Lowo, a noble prince and warrior who, despite his preference for a private life of hunting, teaching, and romance with his intended, Olasope, becomes the conscience of society, catalysing a seismic shift in leadership and community dynamics.
Set in the colonial era of 1884/1885, the fictional play delves into themes of colonial invasion and subjugation, love, leadership, cultural beliefs, religion, and corruption.
Onadele weaponises the protagonist’s struggles as a potent catalyst for the community’s collective demand for positive change, ultimately leading to the natives’ triumph over their oppressors.
The over two-hour play, an adaptation from the drama emerges as a clarion call for Nigerians and Africans to unite, shed foreign identities and practices, rediscover true histories and heritage, embrace indigenous customs and cultures, advocate for responsible leadership, and strive for an egalitarian society characterised by development.
In an interview with THECONSCIENCE NG, the playwright unveiled the philosophy underpinning the play: “Every soul has a shell,” inspired by Wole Soyinka’s play, “Death and the King’s Horseman” (1975).
He stated, “I distilled the essence of this quote and wrapped literature around it to explore the persona. The story is rich and layered. My aim was to celebrate a dramatist with a drama. I sought the deeper meaning of the quote, combining romantic comedy with beautiful literature, all interwoven with the story of our people.”
Aye-ko-Ooto elaborated on the underlying philosophy: “Every soul has a birthplace, representing identity; every soul is nurtured, reflecting culture; every soul is loved, embodying passion; and every soul has a noble purpose tied to tribal citizenship. When faced with adversity, every soul must summon the courage of character. Ultimately, every soul carries a message, and that message is your inheritance.
“The essence is clear: if you fail to find your identity, neglect your citizenship, and do not stand up for your values in troubled times, you leave your children without an inheritance.”
Onadele described Wole Soyinka as an enigma—a literary cult hero, cultural icon, champion of freedom, and an unwavering advocate for justice, who also holds a deep affection for children. He shared a personal connection with Soyinka, emphasizing the playwright’s commitment to preserving cultural artifacts as an undeniable ambassador of culture.
To promote the Yoruba language and culture, Aye-ko-Ooto intentionally wrote parts of the play in Yoruba, encouraging European audiences to engage more deeply with the language.
In response to the alarming decline in cultural awareness and identity among young Nigerians, the playwright urged the government to embrace ethnography—a principle that prioritizes narratives rooted in African stories. He advocated for increased funding, including prizes and grants, for works celebrating African culture over those with foreign plots.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians to treat artists and their promoters with respect, rather than viewing them as beggars, while encouraging greater support for the arts based on merit.
Onadele, who also has a background in Artificial Intelligence (AI) from his time in Europe, recalls how being exposed at an early age to the works of renowned Nigerian author of Yorùbá heritage, Chief Daniel Olorunfẹmi Fágúnwa (commonly known as D. O. Fágúnwà), inspired his own interest in writing. For him, the Yoruba native voice adds authenticity to storytelling.
According to Onadele, who has built the world’s largest library of individual poetry produced by any single author, every success story has humble beginnings.
Earlier this year, Aye-ko-Ooto was in his element at the Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF), dubbed Africa’s largest cultural picnic, where he conducted a two-day mentorship session with undergraduate students from the Creative Arts Department at the University of Lagos on the first day at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos.
Onadele also hosted another mentorship programme for pupils from various public primary schools.
The prolific writer engaged young people on the value of literature while unveiling an endowment for literary prizes in both Yoruba and English languages. It was a rich, educational, and inspiring experience for participating students, as Onadele shared insights from his journey as a writer, despite having a BSc. and MSc. in Agronomy.
Through Adubiifa Network Company (ANC), a multi-media literary, theatre, and movie company, he employs performance theatre as a means to drive change.
His productions have gained recognition from major players like the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) and the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC).
Onadele’s name continues to resonate in the literary space, where calls for major shifts and changes in Nigeria keeps growing louder.
Entertainment
Fuji Wayne, Shanko Rasheed’s Canada Summer Tour Signals The Rise of A Fuji-Infused Afro-Fusion Sound
Fuji Wayne, Shanko Rasheed’s Canada Summer Tour Signals The Rise of A Fuji-Infused Afro-Fusion Sound
By : Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
In an industry where virality often overshadows steady growth, Nigerian artist Shanko Rasheed is taking a different route — one defined by gradual expansion, cultural fusion, and strategic international movement. From early releases to touring activity across North America, his trajectory reflects a new class of Nigerian artists who are less visible in headlines but increasingly active on the global stage.
A Sound Rooted in Tradition, Shaped by Modern Influence :
At the core of Shanko Rasheed’s artistry is a blend that feels both familiar and forward-looking: Afro-fusion layered with Fuji influences.
Fuji, a genre deeply rooted in Yoruba musical tradition, is known for its percussive intensity, vocal cadence, and spiritual undertones. By merging this with Afro-fusion — a broader, globally digestible sound palette — Shanko positions himself in a lane that bridges:
• Street authenticity
• Cultural heritage
• Contemporary accessibility
This hybrid approach aligns with a wider movement in Nigerian music, where artists are increasingly revisiting indigenous sounds and recontextualizing them for modern audiences. However, unlike more mainstream acts who polish these elements for pop appeal, Shanko Rasheed appears to lean into the rawness of Fuji-inspired delivery, giving his music a distinct edge.
Building Beyond Borders : Touring The United States And Canada
One of the clearest indicators of Shanko Rasheed’s growth is his international touring footprint.
In the past year, he has:
• Performed across parts of the United States, expanding his reach beyond Nigeria
• Secured upcoming tour dates in Canada for the summer, signaling continued demand within diaspora communities
For an artist still in the early stages of mainstream recognition, this level of cross-border activity is significant. It suggests:
• An existing audience base outside Nigeria
• Strategic connections or grassroots promoters within diaspora circuits
• A willingness to invest in physical presence rather than relying solely on digital growth
The Nigerian diaspora has long served as a testing ground for emerging talent, and artists who successfully tap into that ecosystem often build loyal, high-engagement audiences before breaking into wider markets.
Lifestyle Signals And Artist Positioning :
Beyond music and touring, Shanko Rasheed’s recent acquisition of a Mercedes-Benz adds another layer to his public image. While such milestones are common in the music industry, they often serve a dual purpose:
• A personal achievement marker
• A branding signal reinforcing upward mobility and success
In the context of an emerging artist, it also reflects a narrative of progression — from early-stage hustle to visible rewards. When communicated effectively, these moments can strengthen audience perception and credibility, particularly within genres that value both authenticity and aspiration.
The Visibility Gap : Present, Yet Underdocumented
Despite these developments, Shanko Rasheed remains underrepresented in mainstream media and digital indexing. There is limited:
• Press coverage
• Editorial playlist visibility
• Structured artist profiling
This creates a noticeable gap between activity and awareness. In practical terms, he exists in a space where:
The work is happening, but the story hasn’t been fully told.
For many artists at this level, this gap can slow momentum. However, it also presents an opportunity to shape a narrative deliberately, rather than reacting to one formed by external media.
A Strategic Moment For Definition :
Shanko Rasheed’s current phase can best be described as pre-definition — a period where the foundation is in place, but the identity is still being formalized in the public eye.
He has:
• A developing catalog on streaming platforms
• An active social media presence
• International performance experience
• A culturally rooted sound with crossover potential
What remains is the alignment of these elements into a cohesive narrative that audiences — and industry stakeholders — can easily understand and engage with.
In a Nigerian music landscape often dominated by rapid breakout cycles, Shanko Rasheed’s path highlights an alternative model:
• Build steadily
• Expand geographically
• Refine sound identity
• Let audience growth follow organically
His fusion of Afro-fusion and Fuji also contributes to a broader cultural conversation about the preservation and evolution of indigenous sounds. As global listeners become more receptive to genre-blending and cultural specificity, artists operating in this space are well-positioned to benefit.
Shanko Rasheed may not yet be a household name, but his movements suggest an artist laying deliberate groundwork for long-term relevance. With international tours, a distinct sonic direction, and visible personal milestones, he is steadily transitioning from obscurity to recognition.
Beyond his professional strides, Shanko Rasheed has also faced personal tragedy. The Fuji singer reportedly lost his first son, Jamaldeen Atanda, on February 27, 2026. While details surrounding the loss remain private, the moment marks a deeply personal chapter in his life, unfolding alongside a period of growing international visibility.
The next phase of his career will likely depend not just on the music itself, but on how effectively his story is documented, distributed, and amplified. If aligned properly, his blend of Afro-fusion and Fuji — combined with his growing global footprint — could position him as one of the more compelling emerging voices in Nigeria’s evolving music scene.
Entertainment
I Used To Insult Single Mothers Until I Remembered That My Mum Is A Single Mother -Akeem
I Used To Insult Single Mothers Until I Remembered That My Mum Is A Single Mother
-Akeem Akintola a.k.a. ‘Oko Awon Single Mothers’
A young man doing well in life is often defined by a disciplined, and purpose-driven approach to his personal and professional growth. 34-year-old Lagos State born social media influencer, Olalekan Akeem Akintola, disclosed in this interview that he has cultivated the habits and mindsets of a young man determined for long-term success before he attained age 21. He said he continually updated his knowledge and skills to keep up with changing demands and trends even before he left Nigeria for Europe in search of greener pastures at age 29. Other than his talent alone, Akeem noted that his becoming successful abroad was not all by luck, but mostly by being kind and respectful. He also revealed the secret behind his popular social media nickname, ‘oko awon single mothers’. And more…
What do you love about yourself?
What I love about myself is that I am a very determined person. When I am determined to do something I don’t look back. I just go into it not minding what the result would be and I don’t care about what anybody would say.
Tell us about your marital life.
I was married. But I’m a single father now (general laughter).
What year did you travel abroad and how did you manage to succeed abroad?
I traveled out of Nigeria in 2021. I’m currently in Europe, Germany, South Cyprus to be precise. I worked in the kitchen. To be honest, my experience abroad wasn’t an easy one. Thank God, today I have my citizenship documents and I’m living fine. It wasn’t easy getting to this level. I give God the glory.
Who are the most special people in your life?
The most special person in my life is my mum. Then my kids and my mum’s families, especially Sister Iyabo and Sister Nofisat. My mum’s families are so special in my life because they have been very supportive of my life.
Tell us about your experience helping a sick lady, Keji, whose matter has gone viral on social media.
This lady, Keji, came into my Instagram inbox and told me that she was sick and needed help. Ordinarily, I do use my platform to help people, especially those who are sick. There was a time I ignored her and didn’t attend to her complaints. But when she showed me the evidence and pleaded that I should help her, I had to support her. I am the person that sent her to see Agbala Gabriel pastor. But I didn’t know that he was going to mess up.
What type of people do you love to be around you?
I love to be around people who are friendly, ready to help and very supportive. I do not like people with negative vibes.
You’re a young guy, why do people call you ‘oko awon single mothers’?
There was a time I used to abuse single mothers; what they were doing, why did they leave their marriages and so on. I saw it as an abnormality. But I came to realize that my mum is also a single mother and I said why should I be insulting single mothers when I was also raised by a single mother. So, I had to start making videos about single mothers, praising them and talking about their challenges and qualities. Since that time, single mothers started calling me ‘oko awa single mothers’ (husband of us single mothers).
Do you make so much money through social media posts or you have a job that gives you the biggest?
Yes, I make money on social media. I also work in the kitchen as a chef. I’m into kitchen stuff here abroad and it pays me well. Also, I run adverts for people on my platform and I make a lot of money from it.
You are very popular among society women; how did you make it happen?
All I can say is thank God. I don’t know how it happened. I just found myself with millions of fans and followers. People really love me, especially older society women who fondly call me ‘oko wa’ (our husband).
What is your success tip for young people like you?
My advice for young people like me is that whatever they’re doing they should keep doing it. They should be consistent. Keep doing it, don’t relent and don’t look back. When I started out on social media, I was bullied, cursed. I never envisaged where I am today. I never expected that people would be talking about me sometime in the future. But here I am. I never saw this coming. I really thank God for everything. So, let us just keep doing whatever we are doing. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.
Are you fully in the entertainment industry or on part time?
I work and I’m fully back in the entertainment industry.
You look so young despite your age, what’s the secret?
The secret is that I maintain physical fitness, I do regular workouts. I know that a strong body supports a strong mind.
Entertainment
Nollywood Actress and Philanthropist Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo Appointed as Chief of Staff to AGN National President*
*Nollywood Actress and Philanthropist Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo Appointed as Chief of Staff to AGN National President*
Abuja, Nigeria – The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) announces the appointment of Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo as the new Chief of Staff to National President, ALHAJI SANUSI ABUBAKAR YAKUBU. This strategic move underscores the Guild’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to fostering a more efficient and effective leadership structure.
Amb. Nwodo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having served as a National Deputy Secretary (Emeritus) and demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the Guild’s vision and mission. A respected member of the Nigerian entertainment industry, she is also known for her dedication to promoting actor welfare and advancing the Guild’s interests.
*A Proven Track Record*
Amb. Nwodo’s appointment is a testament to her outstanding contributions to AGN and her commitment to serving the Nigerian film industry. Her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for social causes have made a positive impact on Nigerian communities, She’s also the CEO of CHELSEA NWODO’S FOUNDATION a foundation known for its unique cultural expression and alliance with many state government including Delta state government and so on.
*About the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN)*
The AGN is the governing body for professional actors in Nigeria’s Nollywood film industry, established in 1998 with over one million members across the six geopolitical zones of the federation. The Guild promotes actor’s welfare, protects their rights, and advances the Nigerian film industry.
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