An alumnus of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) and publisher of The New Americans Magazine, Mr. Deba Uwadiae, will perform at the third annual One Columbus Culture Day.
Uwadiae, who graduated from NIJ in 1985, performed at the inaugural One Columbus Culture Day and is expected to perform two of his songs titled “One World, One Nation” and “Streetlight Out” at this year’s edition. Other performers include Galaxy Musica, Wuyue Arts Foundation, Hamida Ouali, Nepali Cultural Dance Club, Huayi Columbus, Said Bori, Little Sparkle Sisters, Ballet Folclorico Xochihua, and Sara Abou Rashed.
The event, hosted by the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods New American Program in partnership with the North YMCA, will take place at 1640 Sandalwood Place, Columbus, Ohio, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026.
The veteran journalist ventured into music as a challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become a recording artist based in Columbus, Ohio.
Speaking on the event, the Community Relations Coordinator for the New American Program and Administrative Coordinator for the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Lindora Kolu Howard-Diawara, said: “The annual family and friends’ free-to-the-public event is intended to help foster unity and collaboration. The event is free and open to the public. All resources and food items will also be shared free of charge.
“Join us to celebrate our diverse cultures that make Columbus beautiful. Bring your family and friends to get a lifetime experience of different international cuisines, performances, poetry, and thematic stories — all in one space.”
“As a publisher, community leader, and recording artist, I believe that music — like journalism — has the power to bridge cultures, build understanding, and bring people together. This performance is a reflection of that belief,” Uwadiae told ThelensNG.
In April 2024, he released a single titled “Mo 60” in celebration of his 60th birthday and has since recorded 12 songs available on various music platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube.
Alongside music, Uwadiae is an international journalist, author, global analyst, consultant, publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of the New Americans Magazine Group, Columbus, Ohio. He is a member of the Ohio Legislative Correspondents Association (OLCA).
The media practitioner was also recognised for his media work by The Columbus Dispatch newspaper in 2024.
