By Tayo Mabeweje
“To preserve our music is to preserve our identity; it is a gift to the future wrapped in the wisdom of the past.” These words embody the ethos of Bimbo Esho, a cultural custodian and the Managing Director of Evergreen Musical Company Limited, a trailblazing enterprise dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s rich musical heritage.
A graduate of Anthropology from the University of Ibadan, Bimbo’s journey into music preservation began over 18 years ago. Her final year thesis on Highlife Music in Nigeria was not merely an academic pursuit but a voyage through Nigeria’s cultural landscape. This exploration connected her to the untold stories of forgotten music legends, laying the foundation for her lifelong mission of cultural preservation.
Bimbo’s dedication to preserving musical legacies is not just academic. She often remarks, “Creativity is a universal language; it translates culture into a legacy.” Taking a cue from her father’s legacy, Bimbo has also made it her life’s mission to preserve the posterity and longevity of an era threatened with oblivion. Her almost encyclopedic knowledge of evergreen music positions her as a key player in the industry, and through her writing, she often reminisces about the inspirations behind melodic masterpieces that enshrine the best of African culture and tradition.
Her stewardship has earned her an esteemed position of trust within the vintage music community. Bimbo serves as the sole custodian and distributor of the complete works of many legendary musicians. Tirelessly campaigning to immortalize their achievements, she ensures their contributions remain a symbol of cultural continuity through sound.
But Bimbo’s story is not confined to music alone. Upon graduation, she ventured into her father’s printing press, where her diligence and visionary leadership earned her the helm of critical projects for industry giants like Nigerdock, NITEL, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Her entrepreneurial journey spans a spectrum of industries, each reflecting her knack for innovation:
Esho-Re: A thriving clothing and uniform enterprise that caters to campaign uniforms for politicians and staff uniforms for organizations, hotels, hospitals, and religious institutions.
The Amuluduns: A celebrated event management company known for hosting iconic events rooted in Nigeria’s musical culture.
Luxury Homes and Apartments: A premium property sales and acquisition venture specializing in high-value real estate.
Her dynamic leadership has orchestrated several landmark cultural events, such as: ThrillerBandz at the National Theatre, Ariya Eko, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, Faaji Agba Eko, and Evergreen Memories among others
Through Evergreen Musical Company, Bimbo has been at the forefront of monumental projects, including: Nigeria Independence Parade of Stars, Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya’s 60 Years on Stage, A Centenary of Nigerian Music (1914–2014), Last of the Originals: A Celebration of the Juju Highlife King, The Public Presentation and Launch of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s Entire Works.
“Music isn’t just sound; it’s a narrative, a time capsule, a thread that connects generations.”
Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Bimbo is a cultural advocate and storyteller. Her weekly music column for City People Magazine is a window into Nigeria’s vibrant musical past. She also founded Members of Music Icons (MMIs), an online collective of music icons, academics, collectors, journalists, and therapists, who collaborate to preserve and promote Nigerian music.
In partnership with Dr. D.K. Olukoya, Bimbo is laying the groundwork for a Music Foundation, a visionary project to nurture emerging musical talent and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s indigenous music traditions.
Today, she holds an esteemed position of trust and stewardship within the vintage music community, a recognition that has led to her appointment as the sole custodian and distributor of the complete works of many music legends. Tirelessly campaigning to immortalize their achievements, Bimbo ensures that these icons’ legacies endure as a profound symbol of cultural continuity through sound.
As we celebrate Bimbo Esho’s contributions to preserving Nigeria’s musical legacy, we extend our warmest birthday greetings to her. Your unwavering commitment to the preservation of music, culture, and history continues to inspire and shape the future of generations to come. May this year bring you even more success, fulfillment, and the continued ability to preserve the rich tapestry of Nigeria’s musical heritage.
- Tayo Mabeweje is a public affairs analyst and passionate entertainment enthusiast, with a deep interest in the cultural and creative industries.
