Korean Culture Lights up Banana Island Multicultural Festival

Yinka Olatunbosun

The Korean Cultural Centre, in collaboration with the Banana Island Property Owners and Residents’ Association, recently gave the residents an independence celebration treat. Tagged ‘Banana Island Multicultural Festival,’ the cultural fiesta was an opportunity to strengthen cultural ties and foster good neighbourliness.

The Banana Island, Lagos community is home to many expatriates from diverse nationalities alongside persons of indigenous tribes in Nigeria. The idea is to celebrate Nigeria’s independence using a spectacular platform to showcase cultures and promote unity and peace. For the 63rd Independence, the festival had as its theme ‘A New Season, which is a reflection of the spirit of hope and optimism for a better Nigeria under a new administration. 

Curated as a day-long event, the evening wore on into a night of thrilling performances, including dance troupes representing India, South Korea, Ghana, Indonesia, and South Africa. Earlier in the day, a colour food tasting and fairground experience engulfed the participants, who relished a variety of cuisine and an assortment of drinks.

Family members arrived in droves and shared the picture-perfect moments in the bright afternoon daylight. At the South Korean stand, it was a delight to see a great number of festival buffs swarming around and getting in line to enjoy the culinary experience.

After relishing their meals, a few of them shared their views on this one-stop multicultural food-tasting affair. A Korean culture enthusiast, Kenny excitedly said she enjoyed every bit of the festival.

“Today, the experience was awesome, and I love everything,” she enthused. “We’ve tried South African zobo, Indian food, and Korean food—the kimche and the spaghetti. The weather is great too. I’m wearing the Korean ambo; it is a traditional Korean dress. I am into Korean culture. I started learning the language. I fell in love with K-pop, and I am also a dancer-singer.”

For Motunrayo, it was a rare experience to partake in several aspects of Asian culture without having to book an international flight ticket.

“I am interested in Asian culture. I tasted Korean and Indian food,’’ she said. 

While reflecting on the whole cultural fiesta, the Director of the Korean Cultural Centre, Nigeria, Kim Changki, reiterates how the festival aligns with the Korean Cultural Centre’s goals.

“We want to promote Korean culture in Nigeria,” he said. “The Korean cultural centre itself is in Abuja, but we have decided to bring the Korean culture to Lagos as well. We invited the Korean performance team to Nigeria today for this festival. By promoting Korean culture through its food, we hope to share the awesome Korean experience. I think many Nigerians love Korean food, music, and drama. We also know that Nigerians love dancing, and they are very dynamic.”