The community of Filiya in Shongom Local Government Area transformed into a hub of worship on New Year’s Day as gospel artist Ibi Dave celebrated the 18th edition of the Filiya Music Festival. What began nearly two decades ago as a modest family memorial has evolved into a premier destination for gospel music in Northern Nigeria.
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The festival, held on January 1, 2026, drew massive crowds from across the region, continuing a tradition that has seen the event grow from a small church service into an expansive open-air concert. And its organiser, Ibi Dave, speaking exclusively with AkweyaTV, expressed excitement at the scope the event has expanded to cover.
A Son’s Tribute Becomes a Community Legacy
The roots of the Filiya Music Festival are deeply personal. Ibi Dave tells AkweyaTV that the event was conceptualised in 2008 as a one-year remembrance concert for his late father, Mr. David Gajere, who passed away on December 29, 2006.
“Being a musician, I decided to call on my music friends to just make it a kind of sing-song service for him,” Dave explained. The overwhelming positive response from the first edition led to the decision to make it an annual New Year’s Day fixture.
A Platform for Northern Gospel Icons
Over its 18-year history, the festival has hosted a “who’s who” of gospel ministers from the North and beyond. Ibi Dave noted that virtually every notable gospel artist in Northern Nigeria has graced the Filiya stage. Past and present performers include Jeremiah Gyang, G-Wills Friday Jibo, Autan Zaki, Solomon Lange, Martins Ahead.
Growth Through Challenges
As the festival’s reputation has grown, so has its scale. Ibi Dave recounted how the increasing attendance eventually exceeded the capacity of the original venue at UMCN Number 1, Filiya, forcing the move to an open-air format to accommodate the thousands of worshippers.
Despite challenges related to financing and logistics as the event scales up, Dave credits divine provision for the festival’s sustainability. The event has become so significant that many locals now forgo travelling for Christmas, Ibi Dave revealed, adding that the patrons choose instead to return home specifically for the January 1st celebration.
Future Outlook
With the 18th edition concluded, the focus now shifts toward the milestone 20th anniversary. Organizers intend to reach out to even more prominent names in the gospel ministry to celebrate two decades of music and service in Gombe State.
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