By hannover-web.com Creative talents and cultural enthusiasts are gearing up to showcase their skills at Afropolis Lagos 2024. Taking place from October 26 to November 3, this event will highlight young creatives, artists, innovators, visual artists, and more, both from Nigeria and around the world.
The nine-day festival, themed “Within New Myth,” is organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, under the guidance of Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka. It’s in collaboration with Qudus Onikeku, the event’s originator and Artistic Director, alongside the Qdance Centre, led by Executive Director Hajarat Alli.
At a press conference held at the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, stated, “Lagos has everything to compete on a global scale, and it’s truly the heart of African culture.” He characterized Afropolis as just a glimpse of the exciting initiatives that Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka is spearheading, highlighting the surge of events that have recently emerged in the creative sector.
Dressed elegantly in an Adire fabric and adorned with a long gold chain, Benson-Awoyinka expressed her excitement about the event. “Lagos is a city that has everything to stand tall among global counterparts. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a passionate advocate for tourism, arts, and culture, is eager for the world to recognize Lagos’s creative potential,” she said.
“This festival is not just an event but a homecoming for our creatives, a chance to engage with others in the industry. I want to acknowledge Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to empowering young talent,” she continued. Benson-Awoyinka articulated her confidence that the festival will showcase Lagos’s rich cultural heritage and creative spirit. “From October 26 to November 3, Lagos will transform into the epicenter of African creativity, inviting artists and innovators from across the continent and beyond.”
Describing some of the festival’s exciting activities, she shared that the opening day will feature a VIP preview and cocktail, leading to a grand opening ceremony at The Vibez Stage. “We’ll engage in a fireside chat with our esteemed Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, focusing on Lagos as a hub for the global African creative economy,” she added.
On October 27, a vibrant carnival procession will energize the streets of Lagos Island, culminating in the Afropolis G.A.V.E (Global African Vibez Exchange), emphasizing international collaboration. The following day, October 28, marks the official opening of the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, with Governor Sanwo-Olu leading a tour of this culturally significant landmark.
Throughout the festival, attendees can look forward to daily film programs, interactive art installations, and performances that celebrate the full spectrum of African creativity, ranging from traditional to contemporary expressions. The closing weekend will feature an International Performance Weekend, spotlighting the remarkable talents of the Afropolis Tribe of 2024, and will conclude with an energetic Afro House and EDM Rave on November 3.
Benson-Awoyinka expressed her confidence in Qudus to deliver an outstanding project, stating, “Afropolis serves as a platform for African creatives to unite, showcase their talents, and collaborate on innovative projects. It’s a celebration of Lagos as the largest Black cultural melting pot, a city leading advancements in music, fashion, gaming, tech, design, film, dance, AI, and research.”
To the young creatives making waves globally, she declared, “Afropolis is your platform to shine. For our local and international guests, prepare to immerse yourselves in a unique celebration of African creativity and innovation.”
As they launch Afropolis 2024, the organizers are not merely introducing a festival but creating opportunities, fostering connections beyond borders, and demonstrating the potential of creative industries to drive economic growth and cultural exchange. “I invite everyone—Lagosians, Nigerians, and our international friends—to join us in this celebration,” she urged. “Let’s experience the magic of Afropolis together, inspire one another, create, and strengthen Lagos’s position as a global creative powerhouse.”
Qudus Onikeku emphasized that Afropolis has been a dream in the making for over a year. “We aim to showcase Lagos as the largest Black capital in the world, positioning it as a cultural and creative leader in Africa. We realized we needed a significant project that leverages this potential to market ourselves globally. Lagos is not just the most important city in Nigeria; it stands ready to compete with the major capitals like Paris, New York, and Milan. We want to assert Lagos as a vital cultural capital on the world stage.”
