The Yoruba people’s talking drums and Bata rhythms laid the foundation for Afrobeat and Fuji music, while the Igbo’s highlife melodies, with their intricate guitar riffs and poignant storytelling, have become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s musical identity. Up north, the Hausa people’s hypnotic Kakaki trumpet and the steady pulse of the Kalangu drum create a soundscape that is both ancient and timeless. Along the coastal regions, the Ijaw people bring a unique vibrancy to Nigerian music with their folk songs and traditional water ceremonies, while the Fulani’s soulful flute melodies and rhythmic drumming reflect their nomadic heritage. The Efik people’s music, rich with storytelling and often accompanied by the graceful Ekombi dance, adds a layer of cultural depth, while the Tiv people’s Swange dance and the energetic beats of the Ikyungu drum infuse their music with an infectious liveliness. The Urhobo people, with their Ogene gong and traditional chants, anchor their music in the heart of their cultural festivals, creating a sound that is both celebratory and deeply spiritual. At Orchid Carnival, these diverse musical traditions come together in a symphony of sound and movement. In 2024, the stage was alive with the echoes of Nigeria’s rich musical heritage, from Terry G’s electrifying street-hop to DJ Tiami’s seamless 22 Amapiano mixes. For 2025, we’re doubling down on this celebration of diversity, bringing together the old and the new, the traditional and the contemporary, in a way that only Orchid Carnival can. This is where Nigeria’s musical heartbeat finds its loudest, proudest expression.