The streets of Lagos Island will come alive with a vibrant carnival procession on the weekend of October 27th and 28th, 2024. The Lagos State Government is set to hold the maiden edition of a pan-African carnival, Afropolis, to promote black cultural heritage, creativity, and innovation.
The Afropolis Lagos Festival, with the theme “Within New Myth,” is a collaboration between QDance Centre and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. Speaking ahead of the event, which kicks off on Saturday at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, located in the Onikan suburb of Lagos, the state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said, “Afropolis is not just an event; it is a celebration of our identity, a showcase of our talents, and a testament to the power of creativity to unite and inspire.”
Photo Source: The Guardian Nigeria News.
She added, “As we embark on this extraordinary creative journey, I am filled with pride and convinced that the rich cultural heritage and creative spirit that define the Lagos metropolis and our lovely nation will be projected further for nine days.”
“Afropolis is not just an event; it is a celebration of our identity, a showcase of our talents, and a testament to the power of creativity to unite and inspire. From October 26th to November 3rd, Lagos will become the epicentre of African creativity, welcoming artists, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond.”
“The streets of Lagos Island will come alive with a vibrant carnival procession, embodying the spirit and energy of our people. The day will culminate in the Afropolis G.A.V.E. (Global African Vibez Exchange), a testament to our commitment to fostering international collaborations.”
She added that the Lagos Island procession will start from Epetedo and move into Afropolis with carnival groups, band boys, and guests. Benson-Awoyinka explained that the event celebrates Lagos as the largest black cultural melting pot in the world, a city that continues to lead in various creative sectors such as music, fashion, gaming, tech, design, film, dance, AI, and research.
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“To our young talents making significant strides on the global stage, Afropolis is your stage to shine. To our local and international visitors, prepare to be immersed in an unparalleled celebration of African creativity and innovation.”
“As we launch Afropolis 2024, we are not just opening a festival; we are opening doors to new possibilities, fostering connections that transcend borders, and showcasing the incredible potential of our creative industries to drive economic growth and cultural exchange.”
“I invite all Lagosians, Nigerians, and our international friends to join us in this celebration. Let us come together to experience the magic of Afropolis, to be inspired, to create, and to reinforce Lagos’ position as a global creative powerhouse.”
Listing the highlights of some of the remarkable activities already scheduled for the creative event, the commissioner said October 28th marks a historic moment with the official opening of the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. “We are privileged to have the Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, lead us on a tour of this significant cultural landmark.”
“Throughout the festival, we will host daily film programmes, interactive art installations, and performances that span the spectrum of African creativity – from traditional to contemporary, from dance to music, from visual arts to technology. Our closing weekend will feature an International Performance Weekend, showcasing the incredible talents of our Afropolis Tribe of 2024, followed by a grand finale Afro House and EDM Rave on November 3rd.”
Mr Gbenga Omotosho, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, noted that the festival was paramount to Gov. Sanwo-Olu, considering its numerous benefits to the state and individuals in general. The founder of QDance Centre, Qudus Onikeku, described the festival as an African diaspora-focused festival. He said 200 artists and tourists from over 11 countries, including South Africa, Togo, Benin Republic, France, the U.S., Ghana, Netherlands, Morocco, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil, would participate in the festival.
He stated that the festival will celebrate Lagos State’s rich cultural heritage, creativity, and innovation. “We expect 200 international tourists from 11 countries to participate in this festival. Over 20,000 local and international tourists are expected. Specifically, these people will come from Dakar, Cotonou, Lomé, Johannesburg, Marrakech, Addis Ababa, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Cartagena, Saint Anne, New York, and Florida. You will also have artists from Lagos, Kaduna, Abuja, Asaba, and more. We will gather artists, creators, technologists, innovators, and tourists who will be part of Lagos’ landscape for nine days.”