Francesca Odimgbe
Lagos State Government, in partnership with QDance Centre, will, on October 26, begin the maiden International Cultural Festival tagged: “Afropolis 2024” with the theme ‘We Need New Myth.”
The festival will feature displays of various African cultures from different parts of the country and Africa. It will last for nine days at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan Lagos Island, and its environs.
Afropolis is an international festival of arts, creativity and innovation with visitors and artistes expected from Nigeria and different parts of the world such as Kaduna, Kano, Jos, Ghana, Senegal, Lome, Addis Ababa, São Paulo, Amsterdam, Bologna, US, among other European and South American countries.
The festival is modelled after internationally recognised festivals such as the Nottingham Carnival in the UK and will attract thousands of visitors annually to Lagos.
While speaking at a briefing on Wednesday to introduce activities lined up for the nine days festival, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the festival as groundbreaking, adding that the rich cultural heritage and creative spirit that defines Lagos metropolis will be projected 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 26 to November 3, Lagos will become the epicentre of African creativity, welcoming artists, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond,” she said.
According to her, activities scheduled for the festival include a VIP preview and cocktail on October 26, followed by a grand opening ceremony at The Vibez Stage.
Also, there will be a fireside chat with the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, on the same day.
On October 27, a carnival procession will be held in many streets on Lagos Island during the official opening ceremony of the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.
On October 28, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will lead a tour of the centre.
The Commissioner further said there would be daily film programmes, interactive art installations, and cultural dance performances.
The closing weekend will feature an International Performance followed by a grand finale Afro House and EDM Rave on November 3.
“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,” she said.
The Artistic Director of Afropolis 2024, Qudus Onikeku, said the festival is a dream come true, adding that Lagos, being the biggest black capital of the world, deserves to have a world-class cultural festival.
“Lagos is a creative capital of the world. We are ready to compete with the world. Afropolis is an African/diaspora festival. We have been dreaming about this for over a year to give Lagos an international festival,” he said.
Onikeku noted that the festival will boost the GDP of the State as it will improve the local economy, with local vendors selling and displaying their goods ranging from food to artistic materials, among others.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said that with Afropolis 2024, the State government will be able to replicate other international festivals.
“We have everything that can bring the world to come and learn about African culture,” Omotoso said.