By Babatunde Tiamiyu
In the vibrant Nigerian entertainment landscape, one name stands out as a promising champion of arts and culture , Edward Babalola, popularly known as Olutad.
Through his company Olutad Events, this dynamic promoter has made it his mission to discover, nurture, and propel local talents to the national spotlight while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the nation.
Babalola’s journey began with a deep-rooted passion for the performing arts and a desire to provide a platform for underprivileged yet exceptionally gifted individuals.
With a team of like-minded professionals called “Team Kampala,” he established Olutad Events, an outfit dedicated to the promotion of culture and entertainment.
“It is not an overstatement that Nigeria is richly blessed with naturally talented youths across various fields of life, especially in the field of entertainment,” Babalola Edward explains.
“Many of these natural talents are underprivileged individuals without the capacity to navigate their way to the spotlight. At Olutad Events, we aim to discover these individuals and provide the required support to launch them into public awareness and acceptance.”
One of the company’s flagship initiatives is the “Kampala Stage Activated” talent hunt show, a captivating competition that tours tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
This show serves as a platform for aspiring artists to showcase their skills in music, dance, comedy, and more, with the ultimate goal of unearthing the nation’s next cultural icons.
The upcoming edition of Kampala Stage Activated is set to take place at Koladaisi University in Oyo State on June 13th, 2024. A panel of esteemed judges like Prince Adewale Laoye, Kunle Afod, including renowned comedians, musicians, and media personalities, will assess the contestants, with the winner receiving a comprehensive support package to kickstart their professional career.
Olutad Events’ commitment to talent discovery extends beyond the Kampala Stage Activated show. The company also runs initiatives like Kampala Fuji Activated, Kampala Glamour Tour, and various other events tailored to different genres and audiences.
These platforms not only provide exposure for up-and-coming artists but also offer a means of livelihood and opportunities for career advancement.
“Our vision is to be the leading company providing a leverage for others to rise,” Olutad states with conviction. “We are passionate about navigating the path to stardom for the less privileged who possess exceptional talent or skill in entertainment.”
However, Olutad Events’ mission goes beyond talent discovery; it also encompasses the preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Through captivating live performances, musicals, arts and cultural exhibitions, and various other events, the company aims to endear the nation’s rich traditions to audiences both locally and internationally.
Olutad himself is a seasoned promoter of arts and culture, having worked closely with diverse organizations and participated in numerous events across the country.
His dedication to empowering young talents and embracing Nigerian culture has earned him a reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.
As Kampala Stage Activated gears up for its next edition in Oyo State.
The first in the series of the event will be held on Thursday, June 13,2023 at Koladaisi University, Ibadan.
All eyes are on Olutad and his team at Olutad Events.
With their unwavering commitment to discovering and nurturing exceptional talents while promoting the nation’s cultural heritage, they continue to blaze a trail, shaping the future of Nigerian entertainment one performance at a time.