In a remarkable display of compassion and advocacy, some of Nigeria’s most celebrated entertainers, including Teni the Entertainer, Skales, Korede Bello, and DJ Jimmy Jatt, brought music and hope to the inmates of the Medium Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos. The event, known as the “SALT Concert,” was more than just a musical performance, it was a testament to the power of creative expression in fostering rehabilitation and emotional healing within correctional facilities.
The SALT Concert was the result of a strategic partnership between Lamboginny, a renowned musician and prison reform advocate, and the Centre for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation (CELSIR). Their shared vision was clear: to use the universal language of music as a bridge to healing, inclusion, and social reform for those behind bars.
As the gates of the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre opened to the sounds of live music, the atmosphere inside transformed. Inmates, often isolated from the outside world and burdened by the weight of their circumstances, found themselves immersed in moments of joy, laughter, and human connection. The performances by Teni, Skales, Korede Bello, and DJ Jimmy Jatt, alongside Seyi Sodimu and DJ Kaywise, created an environment where hope and possibility could flourish, even if only for a few hours.
Joke Aladesanmi, Executive Director of CELSIR, spoke passionately about the significance of the initiative. “This partnership reflects our mission to promote rehabilitation, dignity, and second chances for justice-impacted persons,” she said. “We remain committed to expanding innovative interventions across correctional facilities in Nigeria, ensuring that rehabilitation goes beyond confinement and focuses on restoration, hope, and transformation.”
Lamboginny, who has long championed the use of music as a tool for social change, reiterated the importance of such collaborations. “This concert demonstrates how strategic partnerships between civil society organisations and creative industry leaders can support correctional reform efforts and contribute meaningfully to inmate rehabilitation,” he explained. His advocacy has consistently highlighted the need for society to view inmates not just through the lens of their offenses, but as individuals capable of change and deserving of empathy.
The event also drew the attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS). Daramola George, Controller of Corrections for the Lagos State Command, emphasized the NCS’s commitment to initiatives that prioritize rehabilitation over mere punishment. He noted that programs like the SALT Concert are vital in helping inmates rediscover their sense of self-worth and prepare for successful reintegration into society upon release.
For the inmates, the concert was a rare opportunity to experience the outside world’s vibrancy and to be reminded that they are not forgotten. The music, the energy, and the presence of some of Nigeria’s biggest stars served as a powerful reminder that rehabilitation is possible, and that every individual deserves a second chance.
The SALT Concert at Kirikiri is part of a growing movement in Nigeria to reform the country’s correctional system. By integrating creative arts, education, and mental health support into rehabilitation programs, advocates hope to reduce recidivism and foster a more humane approach to justice. The success of the concert underscores the potential for music and the arts to play a transformative role in the lives of those who are often marginalized and overlooked.
As the echoes of the concert faded, what remained was a renewed sense of hope, both for the inmates who participated and for a society increasingly committed to the ideals of restoration and redemption. The SALT Concert stands as a shining example of how music, compassion, and collaboration can light even the darkest corners of our world.
