Ikoyi Club Hosts Yale Acapella Group Ahead Of Lagos Tour

Prestigious social establishment, Ikoyi Club 1938, which is located in Lagos, recently hosted an American acapella group from Yale University, blending culture, music, and personal nostalgia as a Nigerian student helped bring her college ensemble to one of the city’s most iconic social institutions.

The club welcomed members of Yale University’s Redhot and Blue acapella group during their Lagos tour, in a visit organised by Nigerian student, Chizaram Egbosimba.

Egbosimba, a member of the ensemble, said the trip was designed to introduce her group to Lagos culture while ensuring Ikoyi Club—where she spent much of her childhood with her grandfather—featured prominently on the itinerary.

“I just finished my third year at Yale University and I am here with some members of my acapella group. We are a singing group and our instrument is completely acapella. We are here to see Lagos, go around, sing for people and explore the city,” she said.

She added that returning to the club made the visit especially meaningful, describing it as a personal homecoming.

The group performed a series of acapella pieces for club members and also delivered a birthday rendition for the club’s chairman, Akin Akintola, whose celebration coincided with the visit.

Akintola described the occasion as a reflection of the club’s core values of culture, recreation, and learning.

“Recreation is very much important but culture is also important. Development is also important. Growing by learning is something that Ikoyi Club pushes and we strive on,” he said.

He also noted that the visiting performers were students of diverse academic disciplines, including history, political science, and sciences, highlighting their commitment to creative expression beyond their studies.

According to him, two members of the group have Nigerian heritage, including one who previously had ties to the club and expressed a desire to bring her group to experience it.

Members of the ensemble, including Joseph Kayne and Gabby Paulov, both visiting Nigeria for the first time, praised the hospitality, facilities, and cultural experience at the club.

Kayne described his visit as his first to Lagos and Africa, while Paulov said the experience was a highlight of the tour, commending the club’s rich history and atmosphere.

After their performances, the group toured Ikoyi Club’s facilities, including its sports and recreational centres, before concluding their visit at the swimming pool.

  

Categories: Arts And Culture