MC Dammy: Reviving Yoruba culture, one owambe at a time

For over a decade, Adedamola Oni, popularly known as MC Dammy, has been the heartbeat of countless weddings, corporate events, and celebrations across Nigeria. But with his signature cultural showcase, “MC Dammy Live Owambe 2.0: Faaji Repete,” he is doing more than entertaining; he is preserving and professionalising Yoruba party culture for generations to come.

Set to hold on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, the event promises an evening of music, comedy, fashion, and dance, all curated to celebrate the vibrancy of Yoruba heritage.

Endorsed by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the ministry highlighted its support:

“We wish to state that the State Government will be participating in the programme in its capacity as a government institution and partner,” the ministry said in a statement.

MC Dammy explained that the concept behind Faaji Repete is to preserve and professionalize Yoruba party culture while creating a platform that celebrates its vibrancy within Nigeria’s creative economy.

“I designed Owambe 2.0 as a structured cultural programme to document, professionalise, and scale Yoruba party culture,” he said. “After hosting over 500 social and corporate events, I saw the need to curate owambe in a way that preserves values and elevates standards, not just entertains.”

A Celebration of Heritage

Owambe, a hallmark of Yoruba social life, blends music, dance, fashion, and communal joy. MC Dammy’s vision is to preserve these traditions while elevating standards, turning each event into a curated cultural experience. From the red carpet showcasing native attire to live performances by musicians and cultural dance troupes, the audience experiences a mix of joy, elegance, and cultural pride.

“From the red carpet showcasing native attire to comedy, live music, and cultural dance, I want guests to leave with pride in Yoruba heritage and an appreciation for the professionalism it takes to present culture at scale,” he said.

Learning and Growth

The first edition, held at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, in 2024, was praised for its creativity and energy. Yet, organizing it came with challenges.

“Securing sponsorship for the first edition was the most difficult part,” MC Dammy recalled. “We ran a lean operation and relied on goodwill while maintaining professional standards. That experience helped us build better systems for this edition: documented budgets, vendor agreements, safety and crowd-management plans, and a clearer content arc.”

With government support and a dedicated core team, MC Dammy has strengthened the event’s governance and scalability, ensuring it is not only enjoyable but also professionally executed and sustainable.

Cultural Ambassadorship

Beyond entertainment, Owambe 2.0 spotlights Yoruba values: omoluabi (good character), respect for elders, and the dignity of cultural work. It also emphasizes professionalism, fairness, and recognition of excellence in creative sectors. MC Dammy hopes to inspire young talents and create a lasting legacy for Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.

“Government support helps us uphold safety and quality standards, deepen access for local cultural troupes and vendors, and document best practices that can be replicated annually,” he said. “For the community, it means broader participation and visibility for indigenous arts, and for the event, it strengthens governance and scalability.”

Looking Ahead

MC Dammy envisions Owambe 2.0 becoming a nationally recognized cultural festival, potentially incorporating other Nigerian traditions while expanding digital engagement. The event aims to contribute to tourism, local creative economies, and cultural preservation, building a model for professionally executed, heritage-centered entertainment.

With Owambe 2.0: Faaji Repete, MC Dammy is proving that the Yoruba party is not just a celebration; it is a vibrant cultural institution that fosters pride, preserves heritage, and drives growth within Nigeria’s creative economy.