The Umuhu Okabia autonomous community in Orsu Local Government Area in Imo state started the new year with an explosive Okabia New Year Fest featuring leading artists from the eastern region.
The music concert held yesterday, 5th January 2026, marked the end of an explosive yuletide season in Imo State and other states in the Eastern Region. The music concert took place at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Umuhu Okabia, Imo State, featuring top music acts such as Kolaboy, Evado, Aguero Banks, Ugoccie, Sparkle T, and other southeastern artists.
Moremonee Bank, Xhrine, and other sponsors sponsored the event, themed “A Night of Empowerment, Entertainment, and Enjoyment,” and represent the biggest music concert in Imo State outside the Owerri Metropolis.
Orsu local government, an area bedevilled by the activities of armed non-state actors and previously deserted, came to life this yuletide season with music events and the return of indigenes who had fled the local government.
Paschal Chibuike Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chiefpriest, is an indigene of the Orsu Local Government and actually grew up in Umuhu Okabia. He has remained a key voice in advocating for peace and better security in this part of Imo State.
The eastern region witnessed a series of music events and concerts this yuletide, an unusual development in an area previously alien to such gatherings. Enugu leads the way with the most big music shows featuring A-list artists such as Davido, Phyno, and Jeriq.
Awka and Owerri are tied, experiencing pockets of music events and concerts usually without a headline artist.
The resurgence of the Showbiz industry in the Southeast is powered by a new generation of musicians plying their craft in the region.
One of such breakout artists, Jeriq, signed a Pepsi ambassadorship deal last year, a glass ceiling moment for eastern Nigerian artists, and proof that you can appeal to global brands while being a niche artist.
