Entertainment, News, Society

Holding Court Again: Lábúlé, Àdúgbò And The Return Of Live Music

There was a time in Lagos when musicians did not just perform — they held court. Icons like King Sunny Adé, Oliver De Coque, Dr. Victor Olaiya, Bobby Benson, Lagbaja, and Fela Kuti built their own venues — cultural fortresses where sound, society and identity converged. They were not merely artists; they were architects of nightlife.

Then the model shifted. Corporate clubs replaced musician-owned spaces. DJs eclipsed bands. Streaming reduced live performance to optional spectacle. In a city louder than ever, live instrumentation became rarer.

See also  Oborevwori Condoles ThisDay Editor Over Father's Passage

Now, in Aguda, Surulere, LÁBÚLÉ is reviving that tradition. Born Oluwasegun Adekunle, he chose a name that means “village” — root, origin, source. His music, driven by the talking drum and a fusion he calls Highfro, is grounded in culture. But what truly distinguishes him is not just the sound. It is the structure.

With Àdúgbò — meaning neighbourhood — Lábúlé has created a home for his music. Not another generic lounge, but a curated, community-driven live space where the artist is the anchor and the audience participates.

See also  FirstBank’s N1 Trillion Digital Loan Disbursement Milestone And The New Era Of Inclusive Lending In Nigeria

The official opening and maiden live performance of LÁBÚLÉ at Àdúgbò located at The Duro Event Centre 8/12 Basiyi street off Aiyetoro Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos is scheduled for March 27, 2026 — a symbolic date that may mark more than a debut night, but the rebirth of a model.

This is more than a venue launch. It is a reclamation of ownership — a return to the era when musicians built stages and invited the city in.

If Ariya and Shrine were the original courts of Lagos music royalty, Àdúgbò may be a contemporary throne room — intimate, rooted and symbolically powerful.

See also  Dangote Remains Africa’s Wealthiest Person For Nine Successive Years

In building Àdúgbò, LÁBÚLÉ is not just releasing songs. He is holding court again — and inviting Lagos to listen.