As Creative, Arts, Culture Enthusiasts Gather in Lagos

Charles Ajunwa writes that creative, arts, and culture enthusiasts will be showcasing their different talents at Afropolis Lagos 2024

Lagos, the City of Excellence, will be playing host to young talented creatives, artistes, innovators, visual artists and many more from within and outside Nigeria who are participating in this year’s Afropolis Lagos 2024 taking place between October 26 and November 3. 

The nine-day international programme themed ‘Within New Myth’, is powered by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture led by Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka in collaboration with the originator, Curator/Artistic Director Afropolis, Qudus Onikeku, supported by Qdance Centre led by its Executive Director, Hajarat Alli. 

Addressing journalists on Wednesday at J Randle Centrexm for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos Island, to announce the kick off of Afropolis, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said, “In Lagos, we have everything that can compete with rest of the world and everything about African culture is in Lagos.”

Omotoso, who described Afropolis as a tip of an iceberg on what the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Benson-Awoyinka is capable of doing, said her coming on board has witnessed many events happening in the sector. “From all we have seen so far, this is just a tip of the iceberg,” he said. 

Benson-Awoyinka, who dressed in an Adire fabric with a long gold chain dangling on her neck, declared that Lagos has everything to compete with rest of the world, noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the number one tourism, arts and cultural enthusiast of the state wants the whole world to see the creative potential in Lagos. 

“In Lagos, we have everything that can compete with rest of the world and everything about African culture is in Lagos. 

“I’m excited,” the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture enthused, adding, “I know that a lot of commitments have been put in here. Mr. Governor is excited about this programme. He wants the whole world to see Lagos as that hub people don’t know Lagos as…

“This is almost a homecoming for our creatives to explore a convergence of people in the industry. I want to thank Governor Sanwo-Olu for encouraging young people…

“This event, which is a groundbreaking nine-day international festival of arts, culture, creativity, and innovation, kicks off from the 26th of this month till the 3rd of November.

“As we prepare to embark on this extraordinary creative journey, I am filled with pride and convinced that the rich cultural heritage and creative spirit that defines Lagos metropolis and our lovely nation will further be projected for this period of 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.”

Highlighting some of the activities scheduled for this creative event, Benson-Awoyinka said, “Our opening day, October 26th, will kick off with a VIP preview and cocktail, followed by a grand opening ceremony at The Vibez Stage. We are honoured to host a fireside chat with our esteemed Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, where we will explore Lagos’ role as a hub for the global African creative economy.

“On October 27th, 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.

“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 Mr. 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.”

Continuing, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture who said that she has confidence in Qudus delivering on the project, said “Afropolis is more than a festival; it is a platform for African creatives to come together, showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and collaborate on groundbreaking projects. 

“It is a celebration of 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.

“To our young talents who are 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.”

According to him, “Afropolis is something that we have been dreaming for over a year and one thing that we have been working very hard to achieve is to give Lagos State and people of Lagos, a festival that is going to be an international festival. We all know that Lagos as a city is the biggest black capital of the world and by extension, is becoming more and more the cultural and creative capital of Africa.

“It was in this realisation that we said, however, it feels like we don’t have a big project that is actually capitalising on that and using it as a way to market ourselves to the world. That we are not just here to be the most important city in Nigeria but by extension in Africa, and also because of that we are ready to compete with all the big capitals of this world including Paris, New York and Milan, all the places people put in the cultural calendar of the world. And we are saying, Lagos is also ready to take that position as one of the most important cultural capitals of this world. “