Etuk Ubong’s ‘earth music’ finds home in Lagos

The venue, named The Truth, is situated in the entertainment district of Surulere and hosts a variety of artists as well as Ubong’s band, The Etuk’s Philosophy.

Ubong, who has self-coined his musical style as ‘earth music’, says The Truth is envisaged to feature both established and upcoming acts while hosting diverse audiences.

“The Truth is a sacred communal music venue open to every human to dialogue in optimism,” he said. “People come from all parts of the world to commune in one heart and spirit.”

The venue, which is managed by Ubong’s sister, Hannah, has already hosted a number of acts including Lady Donli, Tomi Thomas, Femi Slide, The Cavemen, Chyn, Seun Kuti and Tunde Jegede, among others.

“The best education I got musically was playing as a sideman with Femi Kuti and the Positive Force band at the New Afrika Shrine,” Ubong added. “Each night that I played with that band, which I see as an institution, I learnt about greatness, perseverance, conviction, commitment, endurance, hard work and of all the motivation and inspiration needed to own my own space."

“The Truth is a place of oneness, regardless of race and culture; a place of intense spirituality and sacred commune.”

Ubong says he wants his venue to reach the acclaim of the New Afrika Shrine yet not take away from Fela Kuti’s legacy.

“The Shrine is Fela Kuti's initiative and The Truth is Etuk Ubong's initiative – two different people, although sharing similar beliefs, in a different life, era and situation,” he said.

Weekly programme at The Truth:

• Tuesdays, 7pm-11pm: Etuk Ubong and The Etuk's Philosophy (rehearsal).
• Fridays, 11pm-4am: Ritual night
• Sundays, 7pm-11pm: Sunday commune